Eight DEEP Years of Navigating the Data Seas

Can you believe it's been eight years since the inception of our beloved DEEP (Data Entry and Exploration Platform)? As we celebrate this milestone, let's dive into DEEP to explore what it is, how it works, and the incredible things we've achieved together!

Navigating with DEEP: An Overview

Imagine a virtual haven where researchers, analysts, and humanitarian heroes converge to tame the unruly tides of data to provide effective aid responses and credible interventions in the humanitarian sector. That's DEEP in a nutshell!

Born in the aftermath of the Nepal Earthquake in 2016, DEEP was envisioned as a beacon of hope for collective sense-making and analysis in times of crisis. Since its inception, DEEP has been a labour of love, picture it as your dependable assistant in the quest for understanding complex datasets and extracting valuable insights. DEEP isn't just your average data platform; it's a dynamic, collaborative ecosystem designed to compile, store, and structure qualitative and secondary data effectively. 

DEEP stands apart from other platforms by its part in producing response actions derived from well-informed, evidence-based sources. DEEP as a secondary data review platform not only helps make sense of all the information that is available but also delves deep into the granular details for every situation and every sector like Health, Protection, Livelihood, Education etc. It paints a picture of the situation and showcases trends over time. It plays a crucial role in aiding humanitarian actors to get to the core of the problem with unparalleled precision.

Mapping the Path: What Can We Do in DEEP?

DEEP is a treasure box of tools and collaborative workflows designed to streamline your data analysis endeavors. Here's a glimpse into what DEEP brings to the table:

• Reports: From situational analysis to media monitoring, DEEP has been instrumental in supporting various processes across the globe catering to about 60 countries. The reports produced through DEEP showcase its diverse applications in real-world scenarios especially during humanitarian crises like conflicts and war, making a tangible impact where it matters most.
• Collaborative Projects & Frameworks: Humanitarian actors and organizations from around the world utilize the DEEP framework and collaborative analysis to tackle projects ranging from secondary data review to risk analysis, aiming for the detection of early warning signs and enabling early action.
• Assessment Registry: The registry helps give a more articulated view of the priority needs and identifies the gaps in response or sectors like Health, Livelihood, WASH etc. It keeps track of assessment reports and data sources with the help of its intuitive registry.  The Assessment Registry is crucial in managing and responding to humanitarian crises. 
• Participatory Assessments: The DEEP platform can be used in informing country operations planning and programming which results in better transparency and collaboration.

Sailing into Action: DEEP at Togglecorp

Picture this: you're part of our dynamic analyst team at Togglecorp, on a mission to analyze conditions for critical humanitarian projects. Now, let's dive into a typical journey of our part in publishing situation reports for various humanitarian crises from start to finish all with DEEP by our side:

• Step 1: Data Extraction

The first step in any data expedition is extracting information from the vast expanse of the internet and beyond. Our crew searches through credible sources, from newspapers to reports, compiling a treasure box of data for further exploration. With the help of DEEP’s extension, adding all the sources to the designated project is seamless and efficient. 

• Step 2: Data Segregation

With our data now extracted, it's time to categorize. We sort through the information, organizing it in the form of excerpts based on the project objective and visualized output, laying the groundwork for deeper analysis. In DEEP, we follow a predetermined framework with sectors like Impact, Humanitarian Conditions, Capacity & Response and Priorities to better separate information to a more specific theme. This way retrieval of information on any particular topic becomes effortless. 

• Step 3: Quality Control (QC)

Our dedicated QC team keeps a watchful gaze on the information being tagged. The excerpts go through rounds of review and control before being analyzed. Through DEEP, this part is as straightforward as chatting online for each excerpt.  We make sure crucial information is not being missed and important findings for all sectors are being highlighted.  

• Step 4: Review and Analysis

Now, armed with DEEP's powerful analysis module, we dive headfirst into the now segregated data swamp, sifting through mountains of excerpts to find hidden gems and put together well-reasoned output. Patterns and trends are identified with the help of visualizations and analytical statements. Triangulating and collaborating information to ensure our findings are reliable and consistent. 

• Step 5: Communications

Emerging victorious from the tides, we finally unveil our discoveries and craft a narrative that brings our data to life. Drafts are made before setting sail into the world, in forms of dashboards, reports and presentation, to aid in better-targeted interventions and impactful decision-making.

And just like that, raw data transforms into actionable insights, thanks to the magic of DEEP. 

Over the past eight years, DEEP has emerged as a pivotal base for the way information is dissected for conducting situational analysis and implementing response actions as well as targeted interventions. In 2022, DEEP was used to meticulously comb through secondary data to provide insights crucial for effective response strategies following the Pakistan floods. Even in the aftermath of the Syria-Türkiye earthquake in 2023, DEEP made it possible to swiftly respond to the crisis, crafting detailed reports to guide urgent decision-making. This trend persisted with equal efficacy during subsequent crises, such as the flood in Libya and the Morocco earthquake of 2023. 

And now, in the current scenario, DEEP's platform and framework continue to be invaluable assets as it is being utilized to delve deep into the heart of crises like the Ukraine and Sudan conflict. Through its part in producing in-depth situational analyses, DEEP doesn't just compile reports; it empowers targeted response efforts, providing monthly crisis insights that drive actionable solutions.

These projects aren't just about data; it’s about people, communities, and lives. It is about making a tangible difference in the face of adversity, harnessing the power of information to drive meaningful action and bring hope to those in need.

Full Steam Ahead: Conclusion

But wait, there’s more! DEEP is constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of its users. DEEP is more intuitive and powerful than ever before, with the addition of features like the Analysis Module, Dashboards, and AI-assisted tagging. 

In the near future, we can expect a new Reporting Module feature through which, the whole process from data extraction to report finalizing,  can be solely done using the DEEP interface. And that's not all! The DEEP team is continuously advancing Natural Language Processing (NLP) and is set to introduce Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities. This exciting addition will facilitate the effortless conversion of images, charts, and tables into machine-encoded text, revolutionizing the traditional methods of basic data extraction. With DEEP, the possibilities are endless, and the future is brimming with innovation.

And there you have it, a glimpse into the world of DEEP and the wonders it holds. Whether you're charting new territories or navigating familiar waters, DEEP can be your steady companion in the ever-changing seas of secondary data. As we reflect on the journey so far, let's raise a toast to the countless individuals and organizations who have contributed to DEEP's success. Together, we're not just analyzing data; we're shaping the future of humanitarian and development efforts worldwide.

Here's to many more years of innovation, collaboration, and making a positive difference in the world. Cheers to DEEP and all who sailed with us!

Until next time, keep exploring, keep collaborating and keep diving deep into the world of data!

Yours in data-driven discovery,
Shreeyukti Rana