Most methods of information modeling assume the existence of well-defined structures processes. By contrast, collectives/cooperatives tend to evolve over time, suggesting a more nuanced, contextual approach. While there is vast diversity in cooperatives/collectives, there are also common aspects/activities that open up the possibility of pooling resources.
This paper draws on an ongoing effort to build a no-code platform to enable cooperatives to create their own digital market places. It offers the ability to create web and/or mobile applications and tailor the applications depending on user type. Other, non-digital aspects such as aligning people and building relationships, defining the boundaries and rules, are outside its scope. This paper distills the insights from the experience into four conceptual “pillars” outlined below.
Flexible Data Model & Extensible Architecture
The diverse nature of cooperatives, each having their own structures and processes and goals, makes it imperative to have a flexible data model. Typically, collectives/cooperatives tend to extend their data models as they firm up their roles and processes over time. This necessitates the need for extensibility. Both need to be intrinsic to the effort.
Taxonomy
Once a data model is defined, there is often a need to classify/categorize the data in several different ways. The ability to define the hierarchy of these categories (taxonomy) provides the ability to analyze the data from different perspectives.
Purposeful Activity
Common to cooperatives across areas and types is the idea of “activity” - defined by Activity Theorists as the purposeful interaction of a doer(s) with the world. Activity theory in conjunction with a flexible and extensible architecture enables the platform to include diverse activities at different stages of evolution.
Ostrom’s design principles
This adapts and interprets Elinor Ostrom’s work on the Commons in which she formulated eight design principles (that increase the likelihood of a success) to the digital realm.
