OU Postcode Patterns

We were asked by to produce an application for exploring social statistics in Milton Keynes, the home of the Open University.

Postcode Patterns offers ways to discover compare and contextualize social data from different neighborhoods covering income, education, older people, community and health.

The project uses statistics from MKi Observatory, a data resource which anyone can access to map and visualize the data. We used their Social Atlas statistics which are used by the local council to measure social issues across the area and over time.

The charts graph the changing statistical picture since 2005 and show how each neighbourhoods results compare to the Milton Keynes average. This sort of information allows the local authority to track the changing statistical picture, and highlight areas where services need to be focused. This information can also be used by neighbourhood groups to focus attention on local needs.

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  Income

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  Children & Education

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  Older People

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  Community Factors

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  Health & Disability

The academics at the OU wanted to use the map to raise issues about the use of, and limitations of statistical knowledge, so each category has an accompanying case study. Dr Deborah Drake has also written a companion article – Social statistics in context

The map was built using Leaflet. The charts were built using Rapheal so that the application was compatible with older versions of internet explorer.

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