The Australian Internet Observatory has commenced its mid-point co-design process, seeking structured input from the broader research and stakeholder community to inform the next phase of its development.
This consultation represents a critical opportunity for researchers, analysts and research support professionals to contribute to the refinement of AIO’s data donation tools and methodological frameworks. Feedback is being actively sought from across Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS), alongside health, environmental science, information and communication technology and related disciplines. Contributions are also invited from civil society, government and industry, as well as from National Research Infrastructure (NRI) and research support staff.
The co-design process focuses on two key areas: advancing digital platform research methodologies, and improving the effective use and usability of AIO’s data donation capabilities. Insights generated through this process will directly inform future technical development, governance settings and user engagement strategies.
AIO is open for submissions from 1 May to 31 May 2026, providing a defined window for community participation.
To contribute to the co-design process, participants are invited to:
- Review the consultation document, AIO 2026 Mid-Point Co-Design Overview, which outlines the areas of input sought and specific guiding questions
- Engage with project updates via the AIO webinar video, which details progress to date and planned directions
- Prepare a written response addressing the questions outlined in the overview document
- Submit feedback via email to hassi.codesign@ardc.edu.au by 31 May 2026
This co-design initiative reflects AIO’s commitment to collaborative infrastructure development and to ensuring that its tools and methodologies are aligned with the evolving needs of Australia’s research community. Active participation from diverse sectors will be essential to shaping a robust, inclusive and future-ready platform for digital research.
