6 Steps to Data Discovery

Analysing and visualising data from multiple sources to identify patterns, trends, and relationships.

Step 1: Define your objectives

Before embarking on any data discovery journey, it's crucial to define your objectives.

• What questions do you want to answer?

• What insights are you seeking?

Having clear objectives will guide your data exploration and analysis.

Step 2: Combine your data sources

Data discovery begins with data collection. Identify and gather relevant datasets—both structured and unstructured, as well as external data from third-party sources.

Step 3: Clean and prepare your data

Clean, transform, and prepare your data for analysis. This step involves

1. Handling missing values,

2. Dealing with outliers, and

3. Normalising data.

Data preprocessing ensures that your data is ready for more in-depth analysis.

Step 4: Visualise the data

Simplify complex data by creating visual representations that are easier to understand and that facilitate comparison of multiple data points. Data visualisation can help show trends, outliers, and areas of interest—and communicate said findings more effectively.

Step 5: Analyse

Formulate hypotheses and conduct statistical or analytical tests to explore relationships and patterns within your data. Data discovery tools can assist in this phase by uncovering hidden correlations or trends.
Interpret the results of your analysis in the context of your objectives.

• What do the findings mean for your business?

• Can you use these insights to optimise processes, launch new products, or adjust marketing strategies?

Step 6: Repeat the process

Data discovery isn’t a one-time event—it’s an iterative process. As your business evolves and new data becomes available, revisit your objectives and continue exploring. The data discovery journey never truly ends.

Data discovery is more than just a series of steps; it's a mindset that values curiosity, exploration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Embrace the spirit of discovery, and you'll find that your data becomes a strategic asset.