Improve README.md and CONTRIBUTING.md for better newcomer onboarding

[pranjal2004838]

Summary

While exploring this repository as a new contributor, I found that the existing
README.md and CONTRIBUTING.md are helpful but could be improved to make onboarding
smoother for first-time contributors.

Observations

• Setup instructions could be more explicit and step-by-step for newcomers
• Some sections assume prior familiarity with the Public Lab ecosystem
• CONTRIBUTING.md could better explain the expected workflow (issues → discussion → PR)
• A short "Getting Started" or "First Contribution" section would help new contributors

Proposed Improvements

• Clarify local development setup steps
• Add a brief project overview and architecture explanation
• Improve structure and readability of README.md
• Add contributor-friendly guidance and links in CONTRIBUTING.md

Motivation

Clear documentation lowers the barrier for new contributors and helps build a
stronger contributor community, which aligns well with Public Lab’s mission.

I’d be happy to work on these improvements if this sounds useful.

[RitikaSen27]

Hi! I’m new to open source and I’d like to work on this issue. I’ll start now and update here if I need help. Thanks!

[RitikaSen27]

Hi! I’ve made improvements to the README as suggested.
The PR is here: #11849
Looking forward to your feedback.

[RitikaSen27]

Hi! I’ve made the suggested improvements for first-time contributors:

1️⃣ README.md updates: Quick Start section, Architecture overview, and GitPod setup tip
PR link: #11849

2️⃣ CONTRIBUTING.md updates: Quick Links, step-by-step guide for first-time contributors, and PR workflow instructions
PR link:

Looking forward to your feedback.

[AribaRazi]

Hi, I am new to open source.
Can I work on this issue?

[bhoomi-sahu]

Hi! I’d like to work on this issue.
I’m a frontend learner (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and this will be my first contribution to Public Lab.
I’d love to help improve README.md and CONTRIBUTING.md for better newcomer onboarding.
Please let me know if I can be assigned. Thanks!

[bhoomi-sahu]

Hi
Just following up to check if I can start working on this issue.
Please let me know if it’s available for me to take up.
Thanks!