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Reza Basirianjahromi, Zahed Bigdeli, Gholamreza Haidari, Alireza Hajiyakhchali,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Gamification refers to the use of game elements in non-game contexts to motivate engagement. This definition is the most comprehensive one presented so far. The term was proposed first in 2002 but it has been prolonged 8 years to attract individuals’’ attention. Gamification has been applied in various contexts according to its capabilities. The current study aims to investigate the concept of gamification and its dimensions in library environment.
Methods: This study used review method as well as comprehensive and systematic study to assess the concept of gamification in accordance with library environment.
Results: The results showed that gamification dimensions could improve the library functions and users’ loyalty. This could help libraries to solve the “engagement crisis”.
Conclusion: Playful engagement is an important approach to help librarians to attract maximum audience in the new information landscape. To achieve this, gamification and its elements can play an important role.
Fatemeh Zandian, Leyla Fathi, Mohammad Hasanzadeh,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Today, websites with diverse and varied uses have revolutionized all social, scientific, educational, artistic, commercial, and other fields of thought. In the meantime, the cinema has not gone away with this technological advancement, and a large number of cinema websites have been set up to help film makers in this field. Whatever the users of a website, the main purpose and the main goals is to provide quick and easy service and to satisfy users, and this goal is achieved only with the assurance of their efficiency and performance review and performance measurement. Web sites are not possible except by evaluating them. Only this way, one can see the strengths and weaknesses of the Web sites, and they have taken steps to refine or complete their progress and development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cinematic websites of Iran based on the three-level pyramid model.
Methodology: Using evaluative method, 38 Iranian cinemas were evaluated using two public and specialized criteria. Using these two logos, not screening, navigation, content, availability, interaction, informational services, special services, multimedia services, and customer service have been evaluated.
Results: The evaluation results show that Iran's cinema websites are based on the three-level pyramid model, which are general criteria, at a good level, in the middle of the pyramid with appropriate specialized standards at the head of the pyramid consisting of Specialized criteria are at the right level.
Conclusion: A fully cinematic web site is considered to include at least two criteria for special services and customer service at the head of the pyramid, one in a highly professional and user-friendly manner, and at the level of the best of the same foreign websites Have your website. It seems that Iran's cinematic websites are beginning to work on this and need more activity and experience.
Samira Daniali, Dr. Amir Hossein Seddighi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Volume 8, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the University of Tehran website based on information architecture indicators to inform, assess the status and quality of the website.
Methodology: The research method is applied descriptive. Checklist was used to analyze the website in terms of organization, labeling, navigation, and search systems.
Findings: The results of the checklists showed that the University of Tehran website earned 20 points out of 37 in the organization, 37 points out of 57 in the labeling, 53 points out of 78 in the navigation, and 14 points out of 46 in the search, which imply a poor status in search system, an average status in organization system, and a good status in labeling and navigation systems. According to the obtained results, the search system of the University of Tehran website can be redesigned, its organization system can be reviewed, and other mentioned systems can be improved. In general, in order to increase the efficiency of websites, it is necessary to consider the principles of information architecture in their design. Moreover, this research can be a suitable source for future website policies by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the website.
Conclusion: Evaluating the information architecture of a website is a new field that, while important, has received less attention. This research tries to show the applicability of the method for use in similar cases by presenting a systematic evaluation in a case study for the University of Tehran website while introducing the strengths and weaknesses of this website.
Dr. Amir Hossein Seddighi,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Volume 9, Issue 4 (1-2023)
Abstract
Purpose: As mission-oriented organizations, research institutes have the task of answering community questions in specialized areas, and should therefore be able to effectively present their outputs to their target users. Achieving such a goal requires the proper use of information architecture principles to properly organize the information platform in which the research institutes interact with their audiences. Therefore, reviewing and evaluating the information architecture of Research Institutes’ websites as their main communication platform with their users is of particular importance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology’s website based on information architecture.
Methodology: The research method is based on content analysis and case evaluation and is done using direct observations and checklists in March 2022. In this regard, first the components of the information environment, ie the context, content, and user of the website are identified. Then, we check the information architecture subsystems of the website using checklists based on the components of the information environment. The organization system checklist contains 14 main questions, the labeling system checklist contains 32 main questions, the navigation system checklist contains 20 main questions, and finally, the search system checklist contains 41 main questions. The checklists were prepared using the library research method and approved by an expert panel. Excel software is used to collect and analyze data.
Findings: Users of the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology’s website can be categorized into four groups: researchers and students, science and technology policymakers, librarians and informants, and educational and research institutions. The main content of this website includes reports, books, articles, research projects, information systems, scientific events, training courses, laboratories, and collaborative services. The context of the website is based on service development and delivery in the areas of knowledge management, scientific and technological information management, dissemination of information science and technology, supporting science and technology policymakers, Publicizing the use of information technology, cooperating with universities and research institutes, and supporting research in the field of information science and technology. The results of the checklists indicate the score of this website for the organization system, the labeling system, the navigation system, and the search system as 67.6%, 68.4%, 65.4%, and 34.8%, respectively.
Conclusion: The status of the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology’s website is assessed as good in terms of the organization system, the labeling system, and the navigation system, and poor in terms of the search system. The use of an audience-oriented organization plan in the website organization system, the use of index labels in the form of unique entities in the website labeling system, and the use of a main navigation bar with an integrated and similar design in the website navigation system are among the strengths of the website information architecture design. On the other hand, according to the research findings, to improve the search system, it is necessary to pay attention to features such as “correcting spelling errors in the input query”, “highlighting the input query in the retrieved results”, “adding logical operators to the search system”, “searching metadata”, “sorting results in alphabetical and chronological order”, and “adding search filters such as subject and year”.
Methodology: The research method is based on content analysis and case evaluation and is done using direct observations and checklists in March 2022. In this regard, first the components of the information environment, ie the context, content, and user of the website are identified. Then, we check the information architecture subsystems of the website using checklists based on the components of the information environment. The organization system checklist contains 14 main questions, the labeling system checklist contains 32 main questions, the navigation system checklist contains 20 main questions, and finally, the search system checklist contains 41 main questions. The checklists were prepared using the library research method and approved by an expert panel. Excel software is used to collect and analyze data.
Findings: Users of the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology’s website can be categorized into four groups: researchers and students, science and technology policymakers, librarians and informants, and educational and research institutions. The main content of this website includes reports, books, articles, research projects, information systems, scientific events, training courses, laboratories, and collaborative services. The context of the website is based on service development and delivery in the areas of knowledge management, scientific and technological information management, dissemination of information science and technology, supporting science and technology policymakers, Publicizing the use of information technology, cooperating with universities and research institutes, and supporting research in the field of information science and technology. The results of the checklists indicate the score of this website for the organization system, the labeling system, the navigation system, and the search system as 67.6%, 68.4%, 65.4%, and 34.8%, respectively.
Conclusion: The status of the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology’s website is assessed as good in terms of the organization system, the labeling system, and the navigation system, and poor in terms of the search system. The use of an audience-oriented organization plan in the website organization system, the use of index labels in the form of unique entities in the website labeling system, and the use of a main navigation bar with an integrated and similar design in the website navigation system are among the strengths of the website information architecture design. On the other hand, according to the research findings, to improve the search system, it is necessary to pay attention to features such as “correcting spelling errors in the input query”, “highlighting the input query in the retrieved results”, “adding logical operators to the search system”, “searching metadata”, “sorting results in alphabetical and chronological order”, and “adding search filters such as subject and year”.
Yaghoub Norouzi, , ,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Introduction
In the digital publishing environment, the websites of international scientific publishers function as critical interfaces between content providers—such as researchers, academics, and students—and their intended audiences. The effectiveness of these platforms is closely linked to the quality of their user interface (UI), which directly affects usability, accessibility, and the overall user experience. Within the framework of the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) model, particularly in subscription-based and digitally delivered content, UI design plays a pivotal role in facilitating efficient content discovery, streamlining access, and enabling personalized services. Employing the B2C model as an analytical lens allows for a systematic evaluation of the design elements that influence user engagement, retention, and trust. This study evaluates the user interfaces of the top 100 international scientific publishing websites, identifies recurring design strengths and shortcomings, and provides evidence-based recommendations to enhance user experience and align design practices with innovative B2C principles.
Methods and Materoal
This study employed an applied, descriptive–analytical survey design aimed at assessing the user interface (UI) of the top 100 international scientific publishing websites, drawing upon the Innovative B2C Business Model framework. The approach integrated systematic observation and content analysis to examine functional, structural, and experiential aspects of these platforms.
The primary research instrument was a researcher-developed checklist, conceptualized in accordance with the Innovative B2C Model for e-commerce and grounded in Nielsen’s (1993) heuristic principles of usability.
The checklist construction followed a multi-step process:
1.Item Generation – An extensive literature review was conducted to identify UI and UX indicators relevant to scientific publishing and digital commerce. This included studies on usability, digital publishing business models, and user engagement frameworks.
2.Content Validation – A panel of four academic experts in information science and interface evaluation reviewed the initial checklist draft for relevance, clarity, and comprehensiveness. Their feedback led to item refinement, deletion of redundancies, and the inclusion of additional critical elements.
3.Final Structure – The validated checklist encompassed three core dimensions:
Website Visual Appeal – 9 components evaluating aesthetic quality, clarity, and visual consistency.
Content Structure Enhancement – 17 components assessing navigability, resource organization, and accessibility.
Trust and Loyalty – 26 components covering credibility signals, personalization, and retention-oriented features.
Operational definitions were provided for each component to ensure scoring consistency across evaluators.
The study population comprised 100 international publishers listed in the authoritative meta-analysis by Nishikawa-Pacher (2022), recognized for its comprehensive coverage of global scientific publishing entities. A census sampling approach was adopted, meaning all publishers in the list were included in the evaluation.
Two independent evaluators—both experienced university librarians with over a decade of professional practice and scholarly work in UI/UX evaluation—conducted systematic assessments.
Prior to full-scale data collection, a pilot test was performed on a subset of 10 randomly selected publisher websites to ensure clarity of checklist items and to standardize scoring criteria.
Each website was evaluated on both desktop and mobile versions to capture platform-specific design variations. Compliance with each checklist component was scored as follows:
Yes (2) – Fully meets the criterion.
Partial (1) – Partially meets the criterion, with noticeable limitations.
No (0) – Does not meet the criterion.
Evaluator discrepancies were resolved through consensus discussions, ensuring inter-rater reliability.
Data were coded numerically and processed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The analysis included:
Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and variances) to summarize compliance patterns.
One-Sample T-Test to assess whether the mean compliance scores for each dimension significantly exceeded a predefined acceptable threshold.
Friedman Test to rank dimensions according to overall compliance levels.
Duncan’s Multiple Range Test for post-hoc pairwise comparisons to detect significant differences among dimensions.
Findings were visualized using bar charts and comparative graphs, enabling clear identification of strengths, weaknesses, and priority areas for improvement in UI design based on the Innovative B2C framework.
Through this rigorous methodology, the study ensured validity, reliability, and practical applicability of results for digital publishing stakeholders aiming to optimize user interface performance and enhance user trust, engagement, and retention.
Resultss and Discussion
Based on the findings, the ease of font readability component was identified as the most prominent, with 91% of the evaluated websites meeting this criterion. Furthermore, 83% of the evaluated websites lacked non-text audio symbols, and 53% lacked non-text video symbols—making these the weakest elements within the visual attractiveness index. This deficiency in incorporating non-text symbols (audio and video) into the user interface may significantly undermine the digital business performance of international publishers.
In the context of the structure strengthening index (content), the components of having the necessary function and the possibility of returning to the first page on each page were recognized as the most important with a compliance rate of 95% and the component of active and valid links with a compliance rate of 94%, so compliance with it plays an important role in creating trust and social credibility of publishers. 69% of the statistical community did not have a sales agency or bookstore portal. The sales portal allows the collection of user purchase, interest, visit and behavior data, which is very key for marketing, content production and business decisions. Without it, the publisher is deprived of this data.
Among the trust and loyalty indicators, the contact us component and the same site design in different browsers were recognized as the most important with 98% compliance, and the ability to write a review for each book was recognized as the least important with 75% of the statistical population not doing so.
Brill, Dovepress and IOS Press with an average compliance of 1.89; Oxford University Press and Bentham with an average compliance of 1.80; De Gruyter, Medcrave and Penn University Press State with an average compliance of 1.89 were recognized as the top publishers in the three areas of visual appeal, structural reinforcement (content), and continuity (customer loyalty and trust), respectively.
A significant difference was observed between the statistical population rankings in compliance with the components of these three indicators. By confirming the first hypothesis of the study, it was concluded that the score obtained from the websites under study in the user interface evaluation is significantly lower than the maximum score, i.e. the full evaluation score. By confirming the second hypothesis of the study, it was found that the average total score obtained from the evaluations in the three areas of visual appeal, structural reinforcement (content), and continuity (customer loyalty and trust) are not the same.
Conclusion
The assessment revealed that none of the top 100 international scientific publication websites fully met the needs of disabled or handicapped audiences, which is a fundamental flaw in the accessibility index of user interface design. To address this weakness, it is recommended that the websites studied comply with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Multimedia content is one of the important SEO factors. Its lack of use by the community may reduce visibility in search results. Today's users, especially the younger generations, are accustomed to multimedia content. The lack of audio and visual elements, including videos and podcasts, and the lack of diversity in the type of content presentation may cause this range of audiences to be lost. It is recommended to present book introductions, interviews with authors, or database usage guides in the form of several-minute videos. The use of simple animations, audio and video icons, and responsive designs can increase the sense of modernity and attractiveness on publishers' sites.
In the digital publishing environment, the websites of international scientific publishers function as critical interfaces between content providers—such as researchers, academics, and students—and their intended audiences. The effectiveness of these platforms is closely linked to the quality of their user interface (UI), which directly affects usability, accessibility, and the overall user experience. Within the framework of the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) model, particularly in subscription-based and digitally delivered content, UI design plays a pivotal role in facilitating efficient content discovery, streamlining access, and enabling personalized services. Employing the B2C model as an analytical lens allows for a systematic evaluation of the design elements that influence user engagement, retention, and trust. This study evaluates the user interfaces of the top 100 international scientific publishing websites, identifies recurring design strengths and shortcomings, and provides evidence-based recommendations to enhance user experience and align design practices with innovative B2C principles.
Methods and Materoal
This study employed an applied, descriptive–analytical survey design aimed at assessing the user interface (UI) of the top 100 international scientific publishing websites, drawing upon the Innovative B2C Business Model framework. The approach integrated systematic observation and content analysis to examine functional, structural, and experiential aspects of these platforms.
The primary research instrument was a researcher-developed checklist, conceptualized in accordance with the Innovative B2C Model for e-commerce and grounded in Nielsen’s (1993) heuristic principles of usability.
The checklist construction followed a multi-step process:
1.Item Generation – An extensive literature review was conducted to identify UI and UX indicators relevant to scientific publishing and digital commerce. This included studies on usability, digital publishing business models, and user engagement frameworks.
2.Content Validation – A panel of four academic experts in information science and interface evaluation reviewed the initial checklist draft for relevance, clarity, and comprehensiveness. Their feedback led to item refinement, deletion of redundancies, and the inclusion of additional critical elements.
3.Final Structure – The validated checklist encompassed three core dimensions:
Website Visual Appeal – 9 components evaluating aesthetic quality, clarity, and visual consistency.
Content Structure Enhancement – 17 components assessing navigability, resource organization, and accessibility.
Trust and Loyalty – 26 components covering credibility signals, personalization, and retention-oriented features.
Operational definitions were provided for each component to ensure scoring consistency across evaluators.
The study population comprised 100 international publishers listed in the authoritative meta-analysis by Nishikawa-Pacher (2022), recognized for its comprehensive coverage of global scientific publishing entities. A census sampling approach was adopted, meaning all publishers in the list were included in the evaluation.
Two independent evaluators—both experienced university librarians with over a decade of professional practice and scholarly work in UI/UX evaluation—conducted systematic assessments.
Prior to full-scale data collection, a pilot test was performed on a subset of 10 randomly selected publisher websites to ensure clarity of checklist items and to standardize scoring criteria.
Each website was evaluated on both desktop and mobile versions to capture platform-specific design variations. Compliance with each checklist component was scored as follows:
Yes (2) – Fully meets the criterion.
Partial (1) – Partially meets the criterion, with noticeable limitations.
No (0) – Does not meet the criterion.
Evaluator discrepancies were resolved through consensus discussions, ensuring inter-rater reliability.
Data were coded numerically and processed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The analysis included:
Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and variances) to summarize compliance patterns.
One-Sample T-Test to assess whether the mean compliance scores for each dimension significantly exceeded a predefined acceptable threshold.
Friedman Test to rank dimensions according to overall compliance levels.
Duncan’s Multiple Range Test for post-hoc pairwise comparisons to detect significant differences among dimensions.
Findings were visualized using bar charts and comparative graphs, enabling clear identification of strengths, weaknesses, and priority areas for improvement in UI design based on the Innovative B2C framework.
Through this rigorous methodology, the study ensured validity, reliability, and practical applicability of results for digital publishing stakeholders aiming to optimize user interface performance and enhance user trust, engagement, and retention.
Resultss and Discussion
Based on the findings, the ease of font readability component was identified as the most prominent, with 91% of the evaluated websites meeting this criterion. Furthermore, 83% of the evaluated websites lacked non-text audio symbols, and 53% lacked non-text video symbols—making these the weakest elements within the visual attractiveness index. This deficiency in incorporating non-text symbols (audio and video) into the user interface may significantly undermine the digital business performance of international publishers.
In the context of the structure strengthening index (content), the components of having the necessary function and the possibility of returning to the first page on each page were recognized as the most important with a compliance rate of 95% and the component of active and valid links with a compliance rate of 94%, so compliance with it plays an important role in creating trust and social credibility of publishers. 69% of the statistical community did not have a sales agency or bookstore portal. The sales portal allows the collection of user purchase, interest, visit and behavior data, which is very key for marketing, content production and business decisions. Without it, the publisher is deprived of this data.
Among the trust and loyalty indicators, the contact us component and the same site design in different browsers were recognized as the most important with 98% compliance, and the ability to write a review for each book was recognized as the least important with 75% of the statistical population not doing so.
Brill, Dovepress and IOS Press with an average compliance of 1.89; Oxford University Press and Bentham with an average compliance of 1.80; De Gruyter, Medcrave and Penn University Press State with an average compliance of 1.89 were recognized as the top publishers in the three areas of visual appeal, structural reinforcement (content), and continuity (customer loyalty and trust), respectively.
A significant difference was observed between the statistical population rankings in compliance with the components of these three indicators. By confirming the first hypothesis of the study, it was concluded that the score obtained from the websites under study in the user interface evaluation is significantly lower than the maximum score, i.e. the full evaluation score. By confirming the second hypothesis of the study, it was found that the average total score obtained from the evaluations in the three areas of visual appeal, structural reinforcement (content), and continuity (customer loyalty and trust) are not the same.
Conclusion
The assessment revealed that none of the top 100 international scientific publication websites fully met the needs of disabled or handicapped audiences, which is a fundamental flaw in the accessibility index of user interface design. To address this weakness, it is recommended that the websites studied comply with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Multimedia content is one of the important SEO factors. Its lack of use by the community may reduce visibility in search results. Today's users, especially the younger generations, are accustomed to multimedia content. The lack of audio and visual elements, including videos and podcasts, and the lack of diversity in the type of content presentation may cause this range of audiences to be lost. It is recommended to present book introductions, interviews with authors, or database usage guides in the form of several-minute videos. The use of simple animations, audio and video icons, and responsive designs can increase the sense of modernity and attractiveness on publishers' sites.
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