Project Documentation
Creating the Congruence Engine Data Register
The Congruence Engine Data Register has been envisioned, designed and developed as one of the key aspects of the minimum infrastructure for a UK collection that the Congruence Engine project is exploring.
As such, the Congruence Engine Data Register is a place to record the existence of a (collection, archive) dataset that is available to be used as part of the UK collection. By design it has an industrial history focus. Developed using Wikibase.Cloud, the Congruence Engine Data Register embodies the principles of minimal infrastructure, designed to be lightweight, scalable, and sustainable. The Congruence Engine Data Register is thus a ‘social machine’ experiment in practice : it is developed for the community, by the community.
Background work
The initial ideas for the Congruence Engine Data Register emerged from close collaboration with community groups in Bradford, focused on preserving its industrial heritage. During this event, concerns were raised about sharing information related to the data held or created by Congruence Engine. Congruence Engine in its scope aimed to raise awareness of other available UK data collections and sources around industrial history and potentially allow anyone to contribute by adding data descriptions, fostering a more open and collaborative approach.
To achieve this, we commissioned an audit in late 2023 to identify and map relevant data and sources around Bradford (thanks to Beatrice Cannelli!). Building on these findings, we began exploring available frameworks and drafting a specification for a public register. It was during this phase that we started considering Wikibase as a potential platform for the project. We also started designing an appropriate form of knowledge organisation and drafting an initial data model. Bradford was initially used as a proof of concept, but the approach has since been gradually scaled up to encompass the broader scope of the Congruence Engine project.
Data modelling
Opening up to the community: Edit-a-thon & User Guide
Given that the Congruence Engine Register is intended to be a community-driven infrastructure, we prioritized engaging the community from the outset to ensure it would effectively meet their needs.
In this effort, we organized a hybrid Edit-a-thon on August 21, 2024, primarily involving CE Research Fellows. This event was designed to actively engage the community, allowing participants to contribute to the development of the Congruence Engine Register while providing valuable feedback on its usability and functionality. The goals of this event were multi-faceted, each contributing to the broader mission of enhancing the Congruence Engine Register. First and foremost, we aimed to assess the data model and to identify any gaps or areas for improvement. Next, we sought to test the data entry process through various use case scenarios to identifying barriers faced by non-expert users. We also aimed at augmenting the data pool to refine the development of the web app. Finally, through this process we emphasized the necessity for clear and accessible instructions on the schema and data entry process, that led to the User Guide.
An accessible User Guide has been developed to support the community using the Data Register. In the User Guide, we included context around the foundational technologies of the Wikibase and Wikidata, as well as the principles of linked open data. In addition, we offered detailed guidance on how to effectively use the Congruence Engine Register, by adding items and searching. By clearly outlining systems and processes around data entry and search, the user guide increases accessibility and inclusivity, making it easier for all users to engage with the Data Register, regardless of their technical expertise. The user guide further improves overall usability and ease of use, making the platform more intuitive and straightforward for non expert users, while the clear guidelines help ensure that practices remain consistent, which is vital for maintaining data quality especially for a community-driven project. Finally, the well-documented processes in the user guide aid in the onboarding of new users and support the scalability of the register in the future.
Congruence Engine Data Register App
5+1 Lessons learned
1. Start simple, keep it simple.
The Congruence Engine Data Register began as a proof of concept, featuring a streamlined data model and limited functionalities, all designed with user-friendliness in mind. By prioritizing minimal infrastructure and scalability, and with a simple model, easy data entry, and accessible design, the Congruence Engine Data Register is built to facilitate user engagement while remaining adaptable and sustainable, aligning with its community-driven nature and enabling ongoing contributions and improvements.
2. Engage early with your community.
Reaching out to the wider Wikimedia community and ask for feedback and support was a game changer for us. Involving the user community from the beginning ensures that the model aligns with real community needs, that data entry requirements are intuitive, and that there are in place accessible mechanisms and resources to support the community to better use the Data Registry.