The text discusses Bellingcat’s new Online Investigations Toolkit aimed at assisting open source researchers in finding and using various research tools. Many researchers struggle to identify suitable tools due to a fragmented environment and a lack of up-to-date resources. The toolkit is designed to provide clear information about tools, including cost, difficulty level, and limitations, fostering contributions from the wider community. Additionally, Bellingcat seeks to improve this collaborative toolkit by incorporating user feedback and expanding its offerings over time.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch of Bellingcat’s Online Investigations Toolkit | From fragmented tool discovery to organized toolkit | Streamlined access to effective research tools | Community collaboration and resource accessibility |
| Collaboration from open source research community | From individual tool usage to collaborative contributions | Diverse perspectives enhance tool relevance | User-driven improvements and shared knowledge |
| AI-powered search functionality in toolkit | From manual search to AI-assisted finding | More efficient researcher tool discovery | Advances in AI technology and user experience |
| Regular updates through volunteer involvement | From outdated toolkits to current resources | Continuously relevant and evolving toolkit | Commitment to maintaining updated resources |
| Expanded access to non-English tools and guides | From limited language resources to inclusivity | Global usability of research tools | Demand for inclusivity and broader tool coverage |