Research
We collaborate with communities worldwide to address emerging risks through the human rights-centered research and development approach. This ensures our free open source archival tools and resources are responsive, secure, and usable.
Explore Our Research
Our Methodology
OpenArchive uses the human rights-centered design methodology (HRCD) co-created by our Executive Director. Through co-research and threat-modeling with Decentralized Archivist Communities (DACs), we identify key pain points and threats. We then create and share open source research findings with the broader human rights community and incorporate them into responsive, usable tools that mitigate harm and technological challenges..
Our Co-Research
Global partner organizations are using Save for diverse archiving purposes. Our “Memos From…” series captures what we're learning from these communities about the real challenges of preserving and sharing media under pressure.
These reports document threats our partners face—hacking, device loss, surveillance, blackouts, internet shutdowns, targeting. They also reveal gaps in resources and training that leave critical documentation at risk. Our research has unearthed a growing need for secure, accessible tools built for actual conditions, not ideal scenarios.
From this work, we build profiles–realistic personas–representing the people we serve, grounded in real-world constraints, risks, and needs. These keep our tools and resources responsive and timely.
Explore our research and personas above. For access to the full, unabridged research, contact us at info[at]open-archive.org.
