Challenges in designing research infrastructure software in multi-stakeholder contexts

TL;DR

This paper explores the challenges of designing research infrastructure software in multi-stakeholder environments, highlighting differing priorities and requirements among user groups and emphasizing the need for adaptable, user-friendly systems.

Contribution

It identifies key challenges and stakeholder differences in research infrastructure software design, providing insights for creating more inclusive and effective systems.

Findings

RSEs prioritize infrastructure compatibility

IFs focus on usability and documentation

Only half of RSEs actively publish software

Abstract

This study investigates the challenges in designing research infrastructure software for automated software publication in multi-stakeholder environments, focusing specifically on the HERMES system. Through two quantitative surveys of research software engineers (RSEs) and infrastructure facility staff (IFs), it examines technical, organizational, and social requirements across these stakeholder groups. The study reveals significant differences in how RSEs and IFs prioritize various system features. While RSEs highly value compatibility with existing infrastructure, IFs prioritize user-focused aspects like system usability and documentation. The research identifies two main challenges in designing research infrastructure software: (1) the existence of multiple stakeholder groups with differing requirements, and (2) the internal heterogeneity within each stakeholder group across dimensions such as technical experience. The study also highlights that only half of RSE respondents actively practice software publication, pointing to potential cultural or technical barriers. Additionally, the research reveals discrepancies in how stakeholders view organizational aspects, with IFs consistently rating factors like responsibility structures and quality assurance as more important than RSEs do. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the complexities involved in designing research infrastructure software and emphasize the need for systems that can accommodate diverse user groups while maintaining usability across different technical expertise levels.