INTERVIEW: Stephen Few, on Big Data, Big Dupe

by Stacey Barr |

This interview with visual analysis and dashboard expert, Stephen Few, is about his newly released book, “Big Data, Big Dupe: A little book about a big bunch of nonsense”. A very audacious title, with very controversial advice!

Stephen Few, visual analysis expert Big Data, Big Dupe: A little book about a big bunch of nonsense

Big Data is a big bandwagon.

And lots of technology providers, consultants and organisations are jumping onto it. But where are they headed? According to Stephen Few, nowhere worthwhile. And of particular – and alarming – concern to people like us, who believe in measuring what matters so we can achieve what matters, Big Data is making some very dangerous claims:

  • we can forget about causation, because correlation is all that matters
  • we can forget about the scientific method, because data can now speak for itself
  • we should measure everything, because we now have the data about everything

If you’re as alarmed as I am about this, you’ll be calmed by this sage – but controversial – advice from data sensemaking expert, best-selling author, and internationally renowned thought leader, Stephen Few. In the interview we discuss:

  • the problems with defining what Big Data really is, and really means
  • the myriad problems with the lack of validity of claims that Big Data makes
  • what it could mean for performance measurement and KPIs
  • how we ought to respond to it

Listen to the interview with Stephen Few, on Big Data, Big Dupe:

The transcript is available only to our PuMP Community members, exclusively for our PuMP Blueprint Workshop alumni, over at thepumpcommunity.com.

Links:

Upcoming KPI Training


>> Africa, Johannesburg SA, 13-15 November 2024

>> UK & Europe, Online Interactive, 9-13 December 2024

>> Australia/NZ/Asia Pacific, Online Interactive, 12-13 & 17-19 March 2024

>> North America, Online Interactive, 24-28 February 2025

Register for the next PuMP Blueprint Workshop near you

Reprinting Articles


You are welcome to use articles from the Measure Up blog, with these requirements

Connect with Stacey


Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Want more information? Fill out the form below and I’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible.

*We respect your email privacy.
Suite 117 Level 14,
167 Eagle Street,
Brisbane Qld 4000,
Australia
Stacey Barr Pty Ltd
ACN: 129953635
Director: Stacey Barr