IJPDS International Journal of Population Data Science IJPDS 2399-4908 Swansea University 10.23889/ijpds.v10i3.3353 10:5:22 Reflections on Shopping Trolley secrets: A case study on public engagement in digital footprint data research James Alice 1 2 Skatova Anya 1 2 Burgess Romana 1 2 Poon Neo 1 2 Fryer Laura 1 2 Suhag Alisha 1 2 Daly Joe 3 Nave Helen Della 3 Digital Footprints Lab, University of Bristol, United Kingdom Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom Obesity Institute, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom 01 09 2025 2025 8 4 3353 This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. This article is available from the IJPDS website at: https://ijpds.org/article/view/3353 Public engagement Public involvement Introduction & Background

Shopping Trolley Secrets was an interactive public engagement space that took place at We The Curious Science Centre (WTC) aimed at fostering meaningful conversations and gathering feedback on shopping data use for health research. There are a number of ways the space facilitated this communication, including a postcard writing station (written feedback), interactive polls (iPad survey and string board survey), interactive shopping experience activities and in-person discussions (meet the researcher events).

 Objectives & Approach

This paper aims to provide a case study for public engagement in digital footprint data research. The paper outlines the processes undertaken in the design and implementation of the project as well as reflections from staff at both University of Bristol Digital Footprints Lab and WTC on impacts this initiative has had on their approach to public engagement in research going forward.

 Relevance to Digital Footprints

This paper is relevant to Digital Footprints as public engagement has been identified as a key aspect in increasing social acceptability in the use of digital footprint data for research. Innovative approaches to public engagement are important to share with the digital footprint community so learnings can be applied to future work in this area.

 Results

This paper outlines barriers and facilitators encountered by the research team at University of Bristol and staff at WTC. The process of conceptualising and undertaking the events are outlined in detail along with reflections on the process from staff from both organisations. The impacts of the public engagement activities on our work are also laid out including funding opportunities and a shopping data visualisation tool.

 Conclusions & Implications

This paper has implications for future research in the digital footprints space, it highlights the benefits of innovative public engagement in digital footprints research to both research staff, corporate partners and for public good.