Beyond Standards

Designing, Managing and Documenting Digital Projects

Abstract

This paper examines the sustainability of digital projects in the cultural heritage sector, arguing for a shift from digitization as a purely technical activity toward a more process-oriented approach. It highlights how long-term sustainability depends on the capacity to structure, document and manage workflows, rather than simply producing digital outputs. The study focuses in particular on the role of the Data Management Plan and paradata as key tools for ensuring governance, transparency and accountability throughout the project lifecycle. It also considers the importance of adopting structured approaches to technology evaluation and decision-making, taking into account factors such as usability, costs, maintenance and organizational context. On this basis, the paper proposes an operational model articulated in four phases integrated by a cross-cutting governance dimension. The model is supported by a practical canvas and a checklist aimed at facilitating the implementation, management and sharing of sustainable digital projects.