We initially started the project with ten principles which were co-developed with members of the research community.

We engaged in a series of workshops, observations, and surveys with 20 projects at York and 20 projects at Mahidol University to test the ten principle model.

We evaluated the data collected in the testing and refining stage to assess whether the ten principles were well received by the research community when they tried to apply the principles in practice. 

Using the evaluation findings, the ten principles were transformed into five. This process did not lose any of the detail of the ten principles, but ensured that the principles were umbrella-style headings that covered multiple areas.

We worked with Castlegate IT to develop the online tool which launched in its beta version in May 2025. We also worked with Nifty Fox Creative to develop an animation video to encourage members of the research community to use the tool. 

We are currently asking members of the research community to trial using the tool and to leave us feedback using the 'Feedback' button. All feedback will be used to improve our final version  to ensure that it aligns with the research community's needs. 

We plan to launch the final version of the tool at the end of the year. Keep your eyes peeled for an official launch event in early 2026.