In the mathematical research community, diversity in skills and needs isn't merely an abstract notion; it's a fundamental reality. To better understand and cater to this varied group, we've developed personas — fictional characters that embody the distinct goals, motivations, and challenges of our users. These personas help us fine-tune our services to provide real value not only in development but also in using them in real-world scenarios. They guide the design and enhancement of the portal and the offered services, ensuring that each user, from the seasoned researcher to the innovative data scientist, finds a pathway that resonates with their specific requirements. However, while these personas are instrumental in refining our understanding and approach, they are, of course, simplifications and should not be seen as exhaustive representations of our diverse community.
Dr. Emma Lorenz, Mathematics Researcher
“I’m seeking comprehensive resources and insights into the latest theoretical developments in my field and in the MATH+ excellence cluster.”
Background: Emma is an experienced mathematics researcher specializing in numerical methods.
Goals: To find cutting-edge mathematical datasets that can enhance her research quality and output.
Motivation: Emma is driven by the desire to contribute significant advancements in her field.
Frustrations: Difficulty in quickly locating high-quality, relevant datasets and dealing with inconsistent data formats.
Wishes: Emma wishes for a more intuitive and seamless access to diverse mathematical datasets and research collaborations.
Persona: Emma
Lucas Schmidt, PhD Student
“I developed an algorithm for my thesis. Now I am looking for similar approaches that I can compare with. I need the source code and the data that they used to reproduce their results.
Background: Lucas is a PhD student focusing on algorithm design and computational mathematics.
Goals: To find similar approaches and datasets that align with his research to validate and enhance his thesis.
Motivation: Lucas aims to publish impactful papers and ensure his algorithms are reproducible by the wider research community.
Frustrations: Struggles to locate open-access code and reliable datasets to compare with his work.
Wishes: Lucas wishes for a centralized platform where source codes and datasets are easily accessible and well-documented.
Persona: Lucas
Dr. Alex Turner, Computational Biologist
“I need high-quality datasets and mathematical tools to solve my models. And I want to see who else used these datasets and which results they got."
Background: Alex applies mathematical models to biological problems, particularly focusing on DNA and protein analysis.
Goals: To find high-quality datasets and mathematical tools that allow him to refine and validate his biological models.
Motivation: Alex is motivated by the opportunity to drive innovation in computational biology using advanced mathematical methods.
Frustrations: The lack of transparency in dataset provenance and challenges in finding comparable model results.
Wishes: Alex wishes for a community-driven platform where researchers can share datasets, tools, and insights on their applications.
Persona: Alex
Michael Wagner, Math Hobbyist and Father
“I want to read about new developments in mathematics - but in an understandable way. And I am looking for a way to share my enthusiasm with my kids.”
Background: Michael is a passionate math enthusiast with a career in teaching and a strong focus on engaging his children in mathematics.
Goals: To stay updated on new developments in mathematics in an accessible format and find ways to inspire his kids.
Motivation: Michael wants to nurture his children's curiosity and share his love for math in everyday life.
Frustrations: Finds most advanced mathematical resources too complex or inaccessible for non-specialists.
Wishes: Michael wishes for easily digestible content on modern mathematics and practical ways to involve his children in the subject.
