ONION: A Multi-Layered Framework for Participatory ER Design
This addresses the need for more inclusive and transparent data modeling processes, particularly in sociotechnical contexts, though it appears incremental as it builds on existing participatory and design justice concepts.
The paper tackles the problem of bias and lack of inclusivity in Entity-Relationship modeling by introducing ONION, a participatory framework that integrates design justice and participatory AI, with early results showing its potential to enhance stakeholder engagement and data model richness in sociotechnical systems.
We present ONION, a multi-layered framework for participatory Entity-Relationship (ER) modeling that integrates insights from design justice, participatory AI, and conceptual modeling. ONION introduces a five-stage methodology: Observe, Nurture, Integrate, Optimize, Normalize. It supports progressive abstraction from unstructured stakeholder input to structured ER diagrams. Our approach aims to reduce designer bias, promote inclusive participation, and increase transparency through the modeling process. We evaluate ONION through real-world workshops focused on sociotechnical systems in Ukraine, highlighting how diverse stakeholder engagement leads to richer data models and deeper mutual understanding. Early results demonstrate ONION's potential to host diversity in early-stage data modeling. We conclude with lessons learned, limitations and challenges involved in scaling and refining the framework for broader adoption.