The Technical Plane: The Fabric of an Infrastructure

This chapter provides an overview of Decidim’s technical plane, which encompasses the codebase, documentation, legal aspects, research and training. Together they form a comprehensive framework for the platform’s development and implementation. We begin by describing its modular and scalable technical architecture, which favours collaboration in its development while simplifying the configuration and deployment of participatory mechanisms at various scales. Next, we explain the documentation system, designed to foster open collaboration, traceability and the avoidance of proprietary tools. We then explore how legal codes and the configuration of political institutions can impact Decidim, including its production, deployment and overall success. Furthermore, we emphasise the importance of Metadecidim LAB, a space for academic and citizen research, experimentation and innovation oriented to address challenges of Decidim and participatory democracy today. Lastly, we address the double educational dimension of the project, emphasising the significance of citizen capabilities and training for effective usage of Decidim, as well as the transformative potential of Decidim for reshaping education through its principles of technopolitical democratisation.