Human Language Technology Audit 2018: Design Considerations and Methodology

Abstract

Technology audits can play a significant role in surfacing information which can be used by researchers, policymakers and funders alike to build a country’s research and development system of innovation towards increasing its competitiveness, contributing to its economy and bridging the digital divide. In 2016, South Africa established a Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) with the aim of supporting a large research infrastructure programme tasked with bringing South African language resources into the digital age. This paper discusses the design considerations and methodology employed to undertake one of the first projects funded by SADiLaR: an updated audit of human language technology resources in South Africa. The paper aims to provide sufficient information to replicate such a technology audit in other environments. The design considerations aim to ensure a pleasant user experience, in order to facilitate as much input as possible. The approach aims to ensure that a sustainable audit tool is developed which can be hosted by SADiLaR in future.