In context: Answer data questions that aren't asked | Census

The value of data lies not in its quantity but in its usefulness, and context is crucial to understanding its significance. Data teams must add context to their findings to provide actionable insights that influence business decisions. Context refers to the network of connections among data points, which affects how data is collected, defined, and used. A strong data analyst adds context to reports, enabling them to look forward rather than just backward. The "what," "why," and "how" are essential in answering questions, and understanding these parameters helps build an infrastructure that evolves with changing metrics and KPIs. Contextualizing data aligns teams by providing a shared frame of reference, making it easier for product and development teams to understand the impact of data-driven insights, ultimately driving strategic decisions earlier.