Defining Data Minimalism
“Data Minimalism is simply and intentionally collecting, keeping, and using data to make better decisions.”
That definition undergirds this website’s mission: Simplify Data to Maximize Value
If you love etymology as much as I do, read on to learn how I reached that definition. If not, feel free to explore other parts of my website.
I like words. I love the right words. Even working in analytics where numbers usually take center stage, I believe words matter. Often more than the numbers.
It took a long time to find the perfect two words to describe this journey. It’s like seeing a signpost at the trailhead, but the sign is blank, and you must write the destination name yourself.
I see data and minimalism as two separate trails, and I’m searching for where they converge. I hope Data Minimalism quickly, concisely, and clearly conveys this purpose. But just in case, let’s analyze it. When I learn a new word or phrase, I break down the individual parts before recombining to see how they intersect.
Let’s head down the Data path first. Here are a couple definitions, bolding keywords that catch my eye:
Data are units of information, often numeric, that are collected through observation.[1] - Wikipedia
information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making - Cambridge Dictionary
Here’s my simplified definition:
Data is information, often numbers, used for analysis and decision-making.
Let’s explore Minimalism now. Fair warning: it’s a winding path. Here are a couple definitions:
a trend in sculpture and painting that arose in the 1950s and used simple, typically massive, forms. - Oxford Languages via Google
a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity - Merriam Webster
Minimalism started as an art movement, but now also represents a lifestyle, thanks to practitioners like Marie Kondo. Her Netflix series Tidying Up was my first introduction to minimalist living.
Inspired by the show, my wife and I ‘Kondo-ed’ our home, letting go of unnecessary belongings to make more room in our home and life for what matters most to us. I also started pondering if data could spark joy. Or...what would be the equivalent of sparking joy in data?
Let’s check how definitions of minimalism have evolved for modern purveyors:
Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important - The Minimalists
[Minimalism] is intentionally living with only the things I really need—those items that support my purpose. - Becoming Minimalist
Ironically, Marie Kondo draws a distinction between her method and minimalism, but provides a solid, simple definition of minimalism while doing so:
Many people have equated my tidying method with minimalism, but it’s quite different. Minimalism advocates living with less; the KonMari Method™ encourages living among items you truly cherish. - Marie Kondo
I also personally resonate with the book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. It feels minimalist even though I’m not sure he ever uses that word in the book. Here’s how he defines the similar concept of essentialism:
It is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution toward the things that really matter. - Greg McKeown
Here’s my minimal definition of minimalism:
Minimalism is intentionally living with less and letting go of what’s unimportant to focus on what matters most.
Now that we’ve mapped trails for both Data and Minimalism, let’s explore where they intersect. So you can easily see both my definitions in context together:
Data is information, often numbers, used for analysis and decision-making.
Minimalism is intentionally living with less and letting go of what’s unimportant to focus on what matters most.
Blending the two, here’s how I define Data Minimalism:
Data Minimalism is simply and intentionally collecting, keeping, and using data to make better decisions.
The two most important words here are simply and intentionally. Data is hard work but doesn’t have to be unnecessarily complicated. Working with data can and should be simpler.
I also want to be more intentional about the data itself. Like data hoarders, we often collect and keep too much data ‘just in case.’ The bigger and more unruly data gets, the less we focus on the specific data that generates the most value. We make better decisions if we are more intentional with our data.
Since I’m striving for minimalism, let’s distill my definition into a mission statement:
Simplify Data to Maximize Value
The value comes from making better decisions. We make better decisions because we’ve simplified and focused the data we use to make those decisions.
The signpost at the trailhead now has a destination name: Data Minimalism. It’s likely a lifelong journey rather than a destination however. I’ll explore ways to simplify all aspects of data analytics based on my past and current experiences. I invite you to join me on this journey and hope you find value in what we learn along the way.
