Synergine Creates Non-Linear Algorithm

The experts at Synergine not only found a way to normalize for comparison all of the significant measures required, but also made the resulting aggregated scoring mechanism non-linear.

The problem with linear aggregation in complex measurements is that equal weight is allotted to each part comprising the whole (such as the average or mean); often failing to reflect the realities of complex relationships.

For example, while a high score should be an indication of effective performance, aggregating scores linearly (where each is weighted equally) can obscure outlier scores, such as particularly well or poorly scoring Indicators.

To promote clarity and accuracy in exploring community performance in 35 Considerations CitiIQ employs non-linear aggregation to combine Indicator scores and to accurately highlight the “gaps” which may otherwise be overlooked.

Many Indicators influence multiple Considerations to varying degrees.  For example, integrated transportation networks heavily influence a city’s performance in the Consideration ‘Mobility’; however, studies have shown that this feature can also promote social cohesion, making the Indicator also relevant to the Consideration ‘Social Isolation’ or be instrumental in ‘Efficiency’ that provides a key ingredient for competitiveness.

The CitiIQ algorithm permits this cross-pollination of Indicators, and reflects the strength with which Indicators affect different Considerations. Moreover, to reflect the hierarchical nature of Considerations the system weights less important Dimensions (higher in the pyramid) based on a city’s performance in the more important Dimensions (lower in the pyramid). A community may have a solid ‘Signature + Identity’; however, if residents lack access to quality water, food and shelter the fulfillment of ‘Signature + Identity’ becomes relatively less meaningful. As a result, only when the primary Dimensions of wellbeing are satisfied do the other Dimensions factor meaningfully into the score.