In the process of ‘going digital’ there is a long list of questions to ask yourself and discuss with a diverse group of colleagues. Linda Raftree, one of the giants in responsible data, has three critical ones when considering technology solutions:

Does it solve a real problem? Have we understood the problem? Is it a problem that technology can solve? Is the technology appropriate?

Does it link to the wider ecosystem? Not just the question of technical interoperability, but how does the technology sit within the health, social, economic and legal contexts? Does it build on what already exists?

Is there potential for harm? Other than us, who’s bearing the risk? What are the longer-term implications of a short-term fix?

If we can’t answer ‘yes’ to all three of these, it’s time to consider a different solution.

And these questions are useful to be asking about much more than just technology. They apply to any solution or innovation and frankly, many choices in life. Thanks Linda!

Photo by Emily Morter