The client: PRIN project
A group of philologists, papyrologists, and scholars of the classical tradition studying the relationship between text and paratext in Greek manuscripts.
The goal: To create a scientifically rigorous repertoire of hypertextual transcriptions.
Needs and challenges
Evolution over time
Not only reproducing the text, but representing the manuscript page in its evolution, making the temporal stratification of the copying process visible.
Logical relations
Clearly show the connections between the central poetic text and the exegetical annotations (paratext) in the margins.
"Humanistic" Usability
The tool was intended to be used by scholars without computer skills. An intuitive interface for positioning boxes and controlling fonts was essential.
Integration
The platform had to integrate with the project website and remain open to future developments (lexicographic database).
Download the case study to learn more
Our Solution
Phase 1
Digital Canvas
The workspace is defined (e.g., 2000px high). A digital sheet is ready to host all the contents of the diplomatic edition.
Phase 2
Box setting
Editors create and position containers (Boxes). Each box has absolute coordinates and contains the desired text.
Phase 3
Logic & Actions
Let’s define the different actions to make the text interactive and highlight matches.
Architecture
Not images, but data
DDEB doesn’t overlay static images. It builds the page dynamically using placeable boxes that contain the transcribed text.
Each element is a JSON object with style, position, and content properties, managed by a React.js engine.
- Layer: Logical groups of boxes (Text, Translations, Notes).
- Actions: The linking system between elements
- JSON: Structured and exportable data.
id: "note",
style: {
top: "250px",
left: "50px"
},
actions: [
{ type: "slave", target: "text-main" }
]
};
Editor
Editors can manipulate the position and characteristics, such as background color or size, of each box via a dedicated interface.
It’s like using a page layout program, but with all the necessary philological rigor and the potential of digital.
Layer Control
An advanced control panel (Layer Manager) allows you to turn reading layers on and off in real time.
The scholar can isolate only the later notes, or view only the original text, with a click.
- The client
PRIN Project
The PRIN project dedicated to ancient exegesis brings together a group of philologists, papyrologists, and scholars of the classical tradition engaged in the study of the relationship between text and paratext in Greek manuscripts. Within this framework, one of the primary objectives is the creation of a repertoire of hypertextual transcriptions capable of conveying the material complexity of the manuscript pages. To achieve this goal, the group has chosen to collaborate with eLabor, entrusting digital development with a central role in the construction of an innovative and scientifically rigorous tool.
- Needs
The challenge to be faced
The research team needed a tool that would not simply reproduce the text, but also represent the manuscript page in its dynamic dimension. This meant, on the one hand, making the temporal stratification of the copying process visible and, on the other, clearly showing the logical relationships between the poetic text and the exegetical annotations.
Specifically, the main requirements were:In particolare, le esigenze principali erano:
- To represent the diachrony of the copy, distinguishing the preserved text, additions, marginal notes, and reference marks;
- To visualize the logical relationships between text and paratext through interactive links.
Added to these scientific needs was an equally important practical requirement: the tool had to be usable by humanist scholars without advanced computer skills. An intuitive interface was therefore essential, allowing for:
- Easily importing texts from files;
- Precisely positioning boxes and annotations on the page;
- Easily controlling fonts, spacing, and alignment.
Finally, the platform had to integrate with the project website and remain open to future developments, such as interaction with the lexicographic database.
- The project
Evolution of the Diplomatic Digital Edition Builder
he collaboration with eLabor led to the creation of the Diplomatic Digital Edition Builder, a web app developed in several phases.
First phase
The first phase was dedicated to analyzing the needs and creating a technical prototype, which defined the tool’s architecture and verified the feasibility of the required functions.
Second phase
The second phase was dedicated to transforming that prototype into a working environment that project editors could actually use. During this stage, the platform’s key elements were introduced: the layer system, which allows the page to be broken down into superimposed strata—much like transparent overlays; the actions system, which enables the programming of logical relationships between text and notes; and the box management system, which allows for the precise positioning of text blocks within the diplomatic page.
Third phase
In the third phase, the tool was further refined and the platform was integrated with the lexicon of ancient exegesis. A subsequent evolutionary maintenance phase is also planned, which will ensure continuity and updates even beyond the formal duration of the PRIN project.
The Diplomatic Digital Edition Builder has introduced a new way of reading and interpreting the manuscript to the project, transforming the transcription into an interactive space that immediately reveals the processes, relationships, and structures of the page. The tool makes scholars’ work more fluid and natural, offering an intuitive interface that allows them to create and explore complex transcriptions without resorting to fragmented or inflexible solutions. The infrastructure paves the way for future developments, effectively integrating the humanistic approach and the potential of digital technology.