Helene Benz

About

Originally from Washington, D.C., I studied Science, Technology & Society at Stanford University. My undergraduate education was interdisciplinary as to critically analyze how developments in science and tech influence society from a multitude of lenses. I focused on policy and security issues, but transitioned to focus more on software after graduation.

While at RCA, my team was one of the four Grand Challenge winners. We designed Nari, a menstrual cup sanitizer using nanotech filtration to bring low cost menstrual hygiene to women in developing countries. Nari also placed third in the 2019 PVC Redesigned Competition with British Plastics Federation.  

Contact

Degree Details

Statement

I'm a service designer with a strategic mind and a passion for designing more equitable, sustainable futures. I approach service design as a complex ecosystem —critically observing to interpret patterns and generate value for all stakeholders. An avid puzzler, I see services as puzzles within puzzles and great challenges to simplify complexity and create narratives for change. Prior to service design, I worked in UX for two years and in finance as a commercial lending associate.

Myda

Current data ecosystem
Current data ecosystem — The current data ecosystem in smart cities is such that private companies and governments collect data in silos, with citizens as passive data points. While their quality of life can certainly be improved through this, they are an indirect participant rather than a mutually beneficial stakeholder in the smart city power structure.
Our insights
Our insights — We found that people generally underestimate and lack knowledge about data collection and that because there is no simple and engaging way to understand data, citizens feel that they can’t exercise data rights. The lack of transparency and sense of privacy generates low trust in institutions and people feel there’s room to create new privacy standards. To feel empowered, they want transparency and a continually accountable relationship with institutions. But transparency isn’t enough - control means a way to act, or in the case of data, the ability to opt-out.
How might we?
How might we?
Myda overview
Myda overview
Myda | Where you control your data
Start your relationship with Myda
Start your relationship with Myda — People need personalised suggestions, to trust organisations with their data and open and honest communication. When you go through onboarding with Myda, you are able to express any sharing preferences you have and can build immediate trust with Myda because we clearly state how and why we use your data -- we don’t!
Take control of your data footprint
Take control of your data footprint — The Myda homepage contains your data overview, where instead of being overloaded with information, you are proactively guided to protect your data and shown what to investigate. We simplify how you engage so you’re no longer overwhelmed when approaching your data.
Learn about the data ecosystem
Learn about the data ecosystem — By learning more about the data ecosystem, you can better frame your role and develop a narrative around personal impact. Current data practices aren’t easily understandable, so we provide simple and engaging explanations with an animated video and summary boxes.
Find companies with ethical data practices
Find companies with ethical data practices — Use the directory to preventatively research and choose which companies to use before you sign up and give your data away. The directory helps you make informed decisions between companies and gives you control to opt-out of companies that you already use. If you do want to opt-out, Myda directs you to the specific page. As we don’t link to your accounts, you have to be the one to take final action.

Currently, every major city has millions of sensors that produce a staggering amount of data every millisecond. They are only becoming more digitally connected and more populated - thirty years from now, an additional 2.5 billion people will live in urban areas. But as cities become smarter, citizens continue to be passive data points in ever-increasingly complex data ecosystems. Today’s movements for individual rights to control personal data, such as GDPR, are reactionary and lag behind technological development.

We believe that self-controlled identity must be the core foundation of future smart cities. In order to achieve that, there needs to be avenues for citizen engagement in the data ecosystem, increased individual privacy, and the ability to control one’s data. Currently, the market consists of players who disassociate biometric data through electronic IDs and provide digital safehouses -- the market lacks a way for citizens to understand the world of data and how to take control.

Myda fills that gap as a digital assistant that helps people understand the personal impact of data collection and enables them to opt-out where possible. Myda helps citizens more easily approach their personal data, make informed decisions, and have greater peace of mind through:
- Data ecosystem education
- A clear breakdown of who is collecting data and the personal impact
- Proactive guidance to opt-out

With Myda, citizens are more digitally conscious and informed, creating bottom-up pressure for institutions to more widely adopt ethical data collection practices.

In Collaboration with: