Syncopate Lab is excited to share the first public implementation of its DocRef digital infrastructure, in a proof of concept supported through the reusable components stream of the New Zealand Government’s Service Modernisation Roadmap.
To illustrate how DocRef can enable use of artificial intelligence, we're also publishing our first AI-generated annotation sets which can be uploaded and edited using DocRef. To explain more, we've launched the DocRef Blog with a first post explaining the docref.digital.govt.nz project in more detail.
What are the API Guidelines?
The API Guidelines are a non-binding guidance document aimed at promoting adoption of APIs across government and ensuring APIs function effectively. The guidelines are being reviewed through a collaboration between the Department of Internal Affairs and the Government Chief Digital Office.
Using DocRef, we’ve digitised the API Guidelines and published them under white label at https://docref.digital.govt.nz. Visit the DocRef blog for a more detailed explanation.
What is DocRef?
DocRef is a transformational system that converts regulatory and policy documentation into referenceable digital infrastructure, enabling innovation in areas like document management, consultation, version comparison, and rules as code implementation.
DocRef tooling lets you privately add notes and tags to precise blocks of text and document components. You can then download and share these annotations directly with others to enable collaboration and effective communication.
DocRef also lets users share pinpoint links to specific blocks of text and other document elements, enabling greater precision than other tools which link to only section headings or even whole web pages.
How can I access the site?
People with an interest in API adoption across government can provide feedback on the API Guidelines until 28 March 2025 (more information here).
First work privately to prepare your comments using the DocRef annotation tool. When you're ready, you can submit your comments as a downloadable annotation set to DIA for input into the API Guidelines review process. You can find a user guide here along with a demonstration video.
We sincerely welcome your feedback and would love to discuss your experiences using DocRef. You can get in touch through contact@syncopatelab.com or through this feedback form.