Putting the User in the Loop: Developing a Research Infrastructure for Social Sciences and Humanities Research

Abstract

The development of research infrastructures (RIs) for social sciences and humanities (SSH) research is still incipient. Few of the existing facilities face several challenges that complicate researchers' interactions with RIs and its digital tools and materials. This study explores the creation of an information service for conducting data‐intensive SSH research by placing the end‐user at the center. Particularly, the study investigated what factors affect the development of the RI and if this process is integrating all the information needs of end‐users, putting a special focus on how these facilities should be evaluated. A qualitative analysis of 13 semi‐structured interviews with SSH scholars and computer/data scientists revealed three themes: developing a RI, needs and expectations of the RI, relationship with user feedback and user interactions. Based on our findings, we were able to raise several design implications to create more successful and sustainable information services for supporting SSH research processes.