Fairytale vs. Narrative - Telling Stories and Making Decisions with Data

Explore the critical distinction between data-driven and data-informed decision-making in this conference talk that challenges common misconceptions about using data in business and development contexts. Learn how the same dataset can be manipulated to support virtually any narrative, and discover the fundamental limitations of what data can and cannot tell you through specific case studies and real-world examples. Examine the difference between creating compelling "fairytales" with data versus building authentic narratives that lead to sound decision-making. Master techniques for identifying the right data sources to support your decisions and understand practical methods for collecting meaningful information. Gain insights into recognizing when data is being misused or misrepresented, and develop skills to avoid common pitfalls that lead to poor conclusions. Understand the importance of context, bias, and interpretation in data analysis, while learning to balance empirical evidence with practical business judgment. This presentation provides essential knowledge for developers, analysts, and decision-makers who want to move beyond superficial data usage toward more sophisticated and effective data-informed practices.