Building Sustainable Data Products
What is a Data Product?
A data product is a well-defined, reusable, and valuable asset derived from data. In this article, we focus on data products designed for end-users or systems outside the data team – such as business users and decision-makers. These products transform raw data into practical tools—whether a report, dashboard, API, app or even a curated data set, enabling organisations to solve real-world challenges and enhance decision-making. The goal is clear: deliver meaningful insights and functionality in a way that is accessible, relevant, and actionable.
At The Data Forest, we see data products as more than just flashy dashboards or one-off reports—they are dynamic tools that empower decisions and provide long-term value. We focus on crafting solutions that endure and truly make a difference.
Ethical Purpose: The Foundation of Sustainability
The sine qua non of sustainable data products is ethical purpose—every data product should have a clear, responsible objective. Without it, all other improvements become irrelevant. If a data product lacks a positive and ethical purpose, it is not unlikely it may be causing harm instead of adding value.
How to Build Sustainable Data Products
Our team has identified core principles that guide our approach to sustainability:
👥 Focus on Adoption → A data product is only valuable if actively used. Engaging stakeholders early, providing training, and celebrating those ‘aha’ moments drive adoption and impact.
🌱 Fit for Purpose → Every product should serve a clear mission, solving real problems without unnecessary complexity.
🔍 Prioritize Quality → Quality builds trust. We create accurate and up-to-date, peer-reviewed products, ensuring users rely confidently on the insights they provide.
📖 Document Clearly → Good documentation is like a well-used forest path—it guides others along the way. Clear notes, definitions, and guidelines ensure continuity and ease of use.
🔐 Build with Security & Compliance in Mind → Privacy and legal standards aren’t extras; they’re essentials. But ethical data gathering and usage may go beyond mere compliance, strengthening trust in both the data product and the brand.
⚡ Be Energy-Aware → Sustainable systems use only what’s necessary—just like turning off the lights when leaving a room. Optimized design reduces costs and minimizes our energy footprint.
📈 Plan for Growth → Scalability is crucial. By using reusable components and flexible structures, data products evolve without constant reinvention.
🤝 Embrace Inclusivity & Local Sourcing → Sustainability includes social responsibility. Design solutions accessible to all, including people with disabilities, and consider locally sourced components where possible.
Regular Review & Retirement
Guiding principles apply to individual products—but it’s equally crucial to assess the full data product landscape. Products originally fit for purpose can lose relevance over time as business needs and responsibilities shift. To ensure efficiency, organizations should routinely review and retire data products no longer needed, optimizing resource usage and impact.
Crafting sustainable data products isn’t just about technology—it’s about responsibility, impact, and lasting value. At The Data Forest, we specialize in helping organizations assess and refine their data landscapes to align with these principles. If you’re ready to take the next step in making your data products smarter, more responsibly, and more enduring, let’s start the conversation 🌳🌳🌳.
