In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, innovation and experimentation are key drivers of success. However, the challenges of data privacy, data availability, and data diversity often hinder the rapid development of proof-of-concept and feasibility projects. This is where synthetic data emerges as a useful solution. In this blog, we will delve deep into the world of synthetic data, exploring what it is and why it’s used across different industries.
Synthetic data is digital information that is created artificially, mimicking real-world data scenarios without compromising the privacy and confidentiality of individuals [1]. Unlike traditional data, synthetic data is generated through computer simulations, algorithms, statistical modeling, and other techniques, offering a safe yet realistic environment for experimentation.
To put this in simpler terms, consider the example of data scientists wanting to run experiments on patient data from hospitals. Patient data contains sensitive identification information such as details about their medical history, their full name, address, contact information, and much more that is too vulnerable to include in studies that could be published. As a result, many scientists who do work with patient data either attempt to obtain de-identified data, or de-identify data themselves if they have the right permissions. Obtaining already de-identified data to perform experiments can be difficult.
In this case, data scientists would create synthetic data by fabricating PII (Patient Identification Information) terms. This would not only allow them to run experiments smoothly with the amount of data that they would need, but also protect the privacy of the original patients.
In another related example, a hospital could hire a team of data scientists and data engineers to create a machine learning based entity linker. In order to build this model, the team would likely need to use synthetic data to construct PII like names, gender, and age while testing the model, rather than using identifiable patient data.
Proof-of-concept projects are a type of feasibility study that serve as the preliminary testing ground for innovative ideas. They allow companies to validate the viability of their concepts before investing substantial resources. However, sourcing, managing, and protecting real-world data can be a daunting task during these sorts of projects. Synthetic data steps in as a valuable alternative, providing a secure platform to develop and refine concepts without the risks associated with genuine or proprietary data. While it may seem that we’re exaggerating the risks related to using real data, when it comes to health-related data or any type of personal or even governmental information, the dangers are very real.
Let’s explore a few key applications of synthetic data.
Gartner estimates that 60% of data used in AI and analytics projects will be synthetically generated by 2024 [2]. This shift is driven by the elusive nature of real-world data; it tends to be gated in some way to protect the privacy of the source’s personal information. Synthetic data addresses these challenges by enabling the creation of diverse, realistic datasets that preserve individual privacy.
One of the challenges in proof-of-concept projects lies in testing diverse scenarios and edge cases. Edge cases are when models run into data that cause them to not perform as expected. Sometimes, this can be due to the data being very different from what the model was trained on, and presenting it with a case where its criteria no longer applies well. In other cases–such as with image classification models–data can seem similar to training data based on the model’s parameters, but actually be unrelated, which can result in a silly scenario like this one: a model classified a similarly colored photograph of a blueberry muffin as a puppy [3]. While this example is harmless, with higher stakes applications of AI models, inaccurate classifications can have a much bigger impact. How can data scientists help to mitigate this issue?
An article in Nature points out that, with its flexibility, synthetic data covers a wide array of situations, ensuring robust testing environments. By creating or using synthetic data while testing and building models, data scientists can increase their accuracy and lower edge case effects by exposing them to potentially extreme data points, and discovering areas where their parameters might need to be adjusted. For example, with the image classification model mentioned above, the use of synthetic data could reveal that edge case with the blueberry muffin, and allow data scientists the opportunity to adjust parameters accordingly. Models trained on more diverse data have a greater chance of adapting well to real-world complexities, and also will allow data scientists to monitor how well models perform with more realistic data.
Developing proof-of-concepts often demands quick iterations and experimentation. Waiting for access to a large volume of real data can slow down the process significantly [5]. Synthetic data, available on-demand, expedites prototyping, saving time and resources. Moreover, its cost-effectiveness makes it particularly appealing for startups and projects with limited budgets.
For machine learning projects that use unstructured and uncleaned real data, data labeling and annotation are imperative, yet frequently time-consuming tasks. Synthetic data, equipped with predefined labels, can streamline these processes, allowing data scientists and researchers alike to innovate more efficiently. Additionally, when integrated with real data, synthetic data can augment datasets, enhancing the performance of already-robust machine learning models [6]. Examples of this for image classification models can include adding noise to images, flipping original training data, and even scaling original images to create new examples for models to train with.
In conclusion, synthetic data emerges as a game-changing tool for technology companies, enabling them to innovate safely and efficiently. As the world of AI and analytics continues to evolve, embracing synthetic data in proof-of-concept projects will be, and already has been, instrumental in overcoming challenges and fostering a future where innovation knows no bounds. By leveraging the power of synthetic data, businesses can create a safer, more inclusive, and technologically advanced world for us all.
Want to learn more? Watch our video on synthetic data usage and other related data-wrangling topics, featuring our Chief Data Scientist and Co-founder, Dr. Tim Oates.
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