Democratizing Food: Data Literacy on Food Inflation in Colombia by Jose Duarte Quitian

Inflation in Colombia affects household economies month by month, particularly impacting families facing food insecurity. However, discussing inflation percentages with the public is complex, as it is a technical topic despite its significant relevance.
In collaboration with Dejusticia, we designed an innovative project to visualize quarterly inflation data through data visualization and democratization. We created interactive devices that not only communicated data on the variation in food prices but also sparked deep conversations about these changes, transforming technical data into catalysts for discussions on relevant issues.

The Data Devices

1. Guess the Variation and Win: We simulated a supermarket shelf with six food items. Citizens had to indicate which products they believed had increased or decreased in price. At the end, we revealed the correct answers, which served as a starting point for conversations about inflation variations.
2. Market Bag: People were asked to select the essential items for their grocery shopping from a series of food products. Based on their selection, we revealed the price variations of the foods that are essential for their households.

Both devices were designed to use data as a conversation starter, allowing participants to share their own experiences and strategies for coping with inflation.

Design Inspired by a Traditional Landscape

To emotionally connect with people, we incorporated visual elements typical of Colombian supermarkets: vendor aprons, handwritten typography on price tags, and a color palette reminiscent of marketplaces. The activities took place at La Perseverancia Market and Las Ferias Market in Bogotá, spaces where people from different economic backgrounds converge.

Human and Social Impact

Between March and June 2024, over 200 people participated in this project. Through participatory interventions, we not only revealed inflation data but also facilitated deep conversations about the decisions families face regarding price fluctuations.
Participatory data visualization allowed us to bring highly important data closer to people experiencing a data literacy gap, enabling them to make better-informed decisions.