Settings

Overview

The Settings section in the Open Lab platform allows researchers to configure various aspects of their study, including general information, template options, encryption for data security, and study deletion. This tabbed interface provides control over study metadata, sharing as templates, end-to-end encryption keys, and permanent removal of the study. Proper configuration ensures data privacy and study reusability.

Access Settings from the study dashboard by clicking the "Study Settings" button or navigating to https://research.open-lab.online/dashboard/studies/[study-id]/settings. The interface features tabs for General, Templates, Encryption, and Delete Study, with save buttons to persist changes.

General

The General tab allows editing of the study's title and description, which are displayed to participants and in search results (if public).

1. Enter or update the title in the "Study Title" field.
2. Provide a detailed description in the textarea, including objectives and methodology.
3. Changes are tracked; save to apply.

Example: Title: "Cognitive Reaction Time Study"; Description: "This study examines reaction times in various tasks using lab.js experiments."

Templates

The Templates tab enables sharing your study as a reusable template. This is available if you have the necessary permissions (e.g., admin roles).

• Allow Template: Toggle to enable/disable templating.
• Create Template: Enter a title, choose public/private visibility, and click "Create Template" to generate.

Example: Create a public template titled "Basic Reaction Time Template" for others to use as a starting point.

Troubleshooting Tip: If creation fails, check for validation errors or permissions. Templates can be browsed in the studies page.

Encryption

The Encryption tab manages end-to-end encryption for study data. Generate RSA key pairs for secure data handling.

1. Click "Generate Keys" to create public and private keys (confirm regeneration if keys exist).
2. Download keys as .pem files.
3. Email the private key to yourself for backup.
4. Delete the private key from the server for enhanced security (irreversible).

Example: Generate keys, download them, and email the private key before deleting it from the server.

Troubleshooting Tip: If key generation fails, check browser compatibility. Always back up keys before deletion, as data becomes inaccessible without the private key.

Delete Study

The Delete Study tab allows permanent removal of the study and all associated data. This action is irreversible and requires multi-stage confirmation.

1. Click "Delete Study" to start the process.
2. Enter the study name to confirm.
3. Check the agreement box for data deletion.
4. Click "Delete Study" to purge.

Troubleshooting Tip: Ensure all data is backed up before deletion. If deletion fails, check for active participants or server issues.

Saving Changes

Use the "Save" button to persist changes across tabs. Unsaved changes are indicated. For publishing after settings updates, use "Validate & Publish".

Troubleshooting Tip: If saving fails, check for validation errors (e.g., missing title) displayed in the interface.

Next Steps

With study settings configured, explore the following sections to collaborate or analyze data on the Open Lab platform:

• Collaboration

  • Projects: Create and manage project cards to describe your research needs.
  • Collaborators: Find, invite, and collaborate with other researchers.

• Data

  • Data Analysis: Build visualizations to analyze study data.
  • Data Reports: Generate comprehensive reports from study data.