ORCID has introduced a number of improvements in 2021, including the Affiliation Manager, new Member Reporting, support for CRediT, the new “Funded by” relationship type, UI updates, and full translations in all 12 supported languages.
As we talk about in our newly published Strategic Plan, we have a lot of exciting updates on the horizon that will increase the value of the ORCID record to both researchers and members. Here’s a quick recap of what we shared last week in our September Product Interest Group meeting.
What’s coming next?
New UI for ORCID records, account settings, and developer tools
With the new public record launched last month, our development team is working on a huge list of changes to the editable version of a user’s ORCID record. Following the design of the public page, our new improved record will be launched by the end of the year, alongside changes to the user’s account settings page.
Support for ROR
ROR has now been added as a disambiguated ORG ID and can be used with the API and affiliation manager.
We are working with our community on the best way to stop the support of GRID and will be sharing more details soon (be sure you’re subscribed to blog updates to be notified).
Allowing members to delete items when permission has been revoked
We are working on a plan to allow members to delete inaccurate data within the Registry, such as affiliations with no end dates.
A look beyond
Improve the new user journey
We will continue to improve the experience for new users, especially those who are unfamiliar with ORCID and who need help to quickly and easily build an effective ORCID record.
Our aim is to guide researchers who are new to ORCID through the early stages of creating their record, highlighting the value and benefits of completing the different areas. By simplifying these initial interactions, new users will have a positive first impression of ORCID and will be encouraged to actively use their records.
Develop an encouragement tool kit
We will be providing updated guidance and built-in tools that focus on the real-world benefits of populating an ORCID record and making the most of key information. Researchers will be able to understand what to do next with their ORCID record via unobtrusive hints and reminders.
Proactively delegate permissions
We are examining the feasibility of enabling users to proactively grant permission to members. This will allow open infrastructure providers to update researchers’ records as soon as their ORCID iD is included within the metadata they receive.
Improve the co-author workflow
We are investigating how we can add the ability to enter co-authors and other collaborators when adding works manually to the Registry. We will examine user experience aspects as well as any automation that can be provided.
Improve data quality
We are reviewing how we can use machine learning to help us to identify SPAM records within the Registry.
Strategic alignment
We will continue to align our development efforts to foster commitment to and engagement with ORCID as an essential element of the research experience. The more fully populated and sufficiently complete ORCID records and integrated systems there are, the more value stakeholders can gain from participating in ORCID. It is our goal to create the conditions that enable this through thoughtful and timely development prioritization.
Your voice matters
As always, we welcome your feedback to our development plans. Our next Product Interest Group meeting will be held on March 31, 2022. We welcome your participation and look forward to your ideas and input.
