Valuing lived experience and co-design solutions to counter racial inequality in data and algorithmic systems in UK’s digital services

Abstract

In the United Kingdom, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the movement towards large-scale digitisation of everyday services: from healthcare, social housing, social security to utilities. However, what is lesser known are the vulnerabilities minoritised ethnic citizens face in datafication processes and how they are racialised within data and algorithmic systems of these services. Its potential to amplify systemic racism and inequalities is concerning yet under-studied, particularly in the UK context. This paper argues it is imperative to understand, and value, racialised minorities’ lived experience to inform and improve digital services’ design to be more inclusive and equitable. Drawing on qualitative interviews and workshops with individuals who identify as a minoritised ethnic individual across England and Scotland, we explore people’s lived experience of everyday digital services. The findings highlight issues related to trust, data privacy, and poorer quality access to services. Such experiences are shaped by the fears and lived experience of racism, both structural and institutional. This paper concludes the use of co-design methods can strengthen capacity amongst racialised communities and stakeholders to articulate where inequities are occurring, understand how to counter harm, and co-create solutions. We outline our case for a co-design approach to guide public and private sectors’ decision-making and policies, so digital services are equitable and responsible by design.