Build a Data Model in Airtable

A short, self-paced exercise in the thinking behind data modelling. You will design a small data model for a healthcare setting, then make it interactive, using Airtable's free tier. No coding, and no prior database experience, required.

About this exercise

Context: HEA574 AI in Healthcare, Tutorial 2: Fundamentals of AI, Data Design and Modelling Format: Individual, self-paced Estimated time: 30 to 40 minutes Tool: Airtable (free account, no coding required)

Before you start

Create a free account at airtable.com if you do not already have one. No prior experience with databases or spreadsheets is assumed. Everything you need is covered in this exercise.

The scenario

A remote clinic wants to understand its patient visits better. Your task: design a simple data model that could support that, then make it interactive.

You can base this on a remote clinic context, or choose your own healthcare setting. For example, a community vaccination drive, an aged care facility, or a dental outreach program. Pick whichever feels easiest for you to reason about.

What you'll build

First, a short read on why we model data at all, and how to reason about tables and fields. That thinking is the real content here. Then two short hands-on stages:

1. Model it (15 to 20 minutes). Create 3 to 4 linked tables that describe the setting.
2. Make it interactive (10 to 15 minutes). Use Airtable's Interfaces to build one simple view on top of your tables.

Then you'll answer four short reflection questions and submit your work.

A note on this exercise

This is a deliberately simplified model. The goal is to practice the thinking behind data modelling, not to produce a production-ready clinical database. There is no single correct structure. You will be assessed on whether your model is sensible and your reflections show genuine engagement with the trade-offs, not on matching a specific answer key.

Ready? Start with the why