All categories
Essential Preparation
Problem
Contributors are not aware that they may need to prepare in order to make a contribution
Context
A contributor is about to make their first submission and needs to know what information is required and what they should prepare in advance.
Solution
Make clear what is required to accept a contribution, for example:
- Registering with the project
- Installing specific software on machine or smartphone
- Requiring specific credentials (eg university identity number, specific intranet access passwords etc)
- Possessing artifacts or evidence (eg to add an entry to Discogs, you would need all the sleeve note information from the album/CD etc)
- The contributor might not have visited your site before, and barriers like installing software, or needing evidence can create friction and frustration. They may not complete the process and/or and may not return.
- While your project may introduce requirements to help improve quality, the contributors may not be able/willing to prepare the required information.
Wikidata
Not all preparations are technical or practical, some might ask contributors to think about Minimising Harm
Related patterns
Respect Users Time
Contributors may have limited time to contribute and may be doing so voluntarily.
Submit Evidence
Evidence can help to build confidence in the project data