SenseMaker: Co-creating Sensors for Journalism

Abstract

SenseMaker started with a simple question: what happens when journalists, engineers and communities come together to design and build sensors for storytelling?

The project was underpinned by the desire to create new ‘sensing’ devices. These sensors would have a tangible benefit for journalists and storytellers who seek to capture data to reveal, drive or enhance stories in their communities. The core enquiry sought to understand how open collaborations, centred on research and development, can create new editorial opportunities, particularly when data, sensors and narratives combine.

In short, the core to SenseMaker was:
• To co-design journalism sensors
• To use them to create, prompt, underpin and
develop content
• To provoke, prompt or challenge public debate

Partners included the Media Innovation Studio and Engineering Innovation Centre teams at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Reach PLC, specifically with the involvement of the Manchester Evening News (MEN). This is our final project report.