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In hybrid settings, combining digital tools with analogue methods, such as paper-based, anonymised, or collectively mediated data collection, can further strengthen trust while protecting participants’ rights. For example, the following is an analogue example by Antionette Carrol from Equity Centered Design that can be used to collect data that supports equity advocacy and invite participant reflection on building safe(r) spaces and power.

The design studio And Also Too developed the Analogue Data Toolkits as part of its broader effort to bridge digital and analogue practices. Their work recognises that low-tech data collection methods can strengthen autonomy by keeping information in the hands of trusted people and communities, rather than on corporate servers or in the hands of data brokers. One example, My Health Data, was created to support individuals, particularly elders, chronically ill, and disabled people, in reclaiming control over their personal health information.

This approach can be transformed into a participatory activity rather than a simple tracking tool. Using an analogue template, it invites participants to collectively identify what aspects of their experience they want to reflect on (for example, feeling comfortable, heard, or able to connect). Together, participants define the variables, symbols, or prompts that feel meaningful to them, and agree on how they will document their reflections over time.

The activity should also include a discussion about the data agency: 

Who owns what is recorded? Where will it be kept? With whom, if anyone, will it be shared? Under what conditions could it leave the room?

In this way, the exercise becomes not only a method for reflection but a structured conversation about consent, trust, and collective control over information.