Der Bundesbeauftragte für die Unterlagen des Staatssicherheitsdienstes der ehemaligen Deutschen Demokratischen Republik
Living history: new website and AI-supported editorial system
Following the multi-award-winning Stasi Mediathek, we also relaunched the website of the Federal Commissioner for Stasi Records (BStU), thereby visualising the importance of the archive for the present and future.
The services included conception, design and BITV-compliant programming. TYPO3 8 LTS was used as the content management system, replacing the previous Government Site Builder.
More research, more media, more insight into the archive
Linking history and the present
In addition to the core tasks of the BStU - preserving the Stasi files and making them accessible to the public - information about the work and methods of the Stasi played an important role in the redesign of the online presence. We combined both aspects into a harmonious whole using appropriate service modules and generous narrative elements.
"The better we understand dictatorship, the better we can shape democracy"
Telling a story: dynamic storytelling
Full-screen design, separate story navigation, varied image-text combinations, direct use of media from the Stasi media library and much more.
The specially developed storytelling module illustrates and deepens an important chapter of German history and some of the most exciting episodes of the Cold War era in a lively and well-founded way.
Story: The building of the Wall in the documents of the State Security Service
Special modules to fulfil the mandate of citizen advisory services
Map display with locations and mobile events relating to citizen counselling
A more intuitive user interface, contemporary design and scalability for mobile use were the key requirements for the new version.
Usability first! User guidance and convenience
In addition, we have implemented elements that offer both users and editors a plus in usability. For example, a jump marker navigation is automatically generated from the content sections of a page. This enables quick switching between sections and eliminates the need for sub-navigation. Other examples include an interactive timeline and modular teasers for key topics.
Intelligent backend: content maintenance made easy
We designed the TYPO3 backend to significantly simplify and reduce the workflow and workload for the more than 40 editors. We have created a secure working environment through intelligent approval processes. The modular structure of the website allows for new editorial freedom. In addition, content such as events and job vacancies from the BStU database or overviews of the archive holdings are easily integrated via several interfaces.
State-of-the-art: our AI-supported key features
"It is very helpful that abbreviations, entities and the glossary are clearly displayed on different tabs. You can quickly label everything with one click, but also select individual words."
Fresh from research: digital curation technologies
Findings and the latest technologies from our BMBF research project Digital Curation Technologies (DKT) also benefit the new BStU website - which brings added value for users and editors alike: Editors can automatically identify and mark abbreviations, glossary terms and other entities such as persons or MfS organisations in articles with one click in the backend, which saves manual linking and increases accessibility.
Performant and intuitive, faceted search
From the homepage, users can search the website, publications, dates and news, the Stasi media library, the MfS encyclopaedia and external sources for all BStU files and filter them according to their needs. A first-class research tool for interested parties and experts.
