Open source, open knowledge, the open web…  all terms you’ve probably heard of and benefitted from, but how many of us can say we have actively participated in them? And why is it important that we do so?

The open web plays a crucial role in preserving the principles of free expression, democracy, and inclusion. It operates as a collective, where governments and multi-nationals have no influence on its content. However, being a community of contributors, the open web lacks the structure and resources enjoyed by these larger institutions. This collective approach presents an ongoing risk to its existence.

With any community run organisation, the more members it has the more vibrant the community becomes and the easier it is to run, as more volunteers begin to throw their hat into the ring. If enough people volunteer, donate or take part in some way the better the outcome for all. One example we’re directly involved in is data.org. Their mission is to democratise data for social good. Through collaborative partnerships with leading universities and institutions, they actively publish their outcomes in the form of playbooks and guides, allowing website visitors to benefit from their collective wisdom. This is a great example of people coming together to share their knowledge and resources, to empower individuals, communities, and policymakers to create a better world.

Despite the benefits to society as a whole, it can be difficult for any open initiative to encourage users to take part. How many times have you visited Wikipedia to consume content versus donating or contributing? Initiatives like these need to employ a wide variety of tactics to get people to join in. Although contributing to communities may not  be for everyone, there are lots of other ways users can help. From sharing content, to donating or registering, often it's as much about raising awareness as it is about directly contributing. Below we’ve listed some ways we believe that participation in all its forms can be encouraged from visitors:

Onboarding & guidance

First impressions count, so it's important to kick off a user’s journey the right way. If the first thing they see is overwhelming, uninspiring or not thought provoking, they won’t stick around. For a first-time visitor who may be contemplating participation, a step-by-step guide might be too detailed. However, ensuring the benefits of getting involved are obvious can be crucial to their decision. Setting expectations helps users to feel confident. Taking the first step is often the most difficult, so consider a short welcome video, a brief interactive tour or just helpful information displayed in a visually engaging way.

Elevating inspirational leaders

In a paper by Forte and Bruckman (2004) looking at why people write for Wikipedia, they argued the importance of allowing peers to assign leadership positions within a community. Arbitrarily rewarding contributions with points decided upon via technology reinforces the concept of the ‘system’ being in control, not it’s members. Instead, providing mechanics where top contributors are ‘socially-agreed’ helps communities retain integrity and affirm their democratic credentials. Allowing experts in specific fields to have their voices elevated can result in knowledge being shared as wide as possible.

Positively tracking progress

In today’s fast paced world it is easy to get the information you think you need and then head for the exit. When learning something new or engaging with a more indepth topic you may need the tools necessary to help you progress over the long term. Whether it's an easy way to pick up your visit where you left off or celebrating when someone ticks off a small task. We believe communities that fosters a supportive atmosphere for their members, lead to an enhanced performance for the platform and a sense of joy amidst the challenges of everyday life.

By providing clear onboarding and guidance, elevating inspirational leaders, and positively tracking progress, communities can create a supportive atmosphere that fosters participation and a sense of belonging. When users feel valued and empowered, they are more likely to contribute their time, skills, and knowledge, ultimately benefiting the entire community. Here at Furthermore, we’re embracing the collective spirit of the open web by working together with our clients to build a more informed, inclusive, and democratic society.