Usability assessment of scholarly publishers’ online journal interfaces

A well-designed and user-friendly online journal interface not only enhances researchers’ satisfaction but also bolsters the reputation of academic publishers within the scholarly community. Consequently, the present study undertakes an examination of the usability aspects pertaining to online journal interfaces offered by five prominent academic publishers: Wiley, Sage, Elsevier, Springer, and Taylor & Francis. This investigation encompasses a combination of user testing and post-questionnaire methodologies, aiming to accrue both quantitative and qualitative data concerning user task execution and satisfaction. The research findings spotlight the varying degrees of usability across major academic publishers and emphasize the critical role of design in enhancing researchers’ experiences. By identifying both usability strengths and weaknesses, along with offering actionable areas for improvement, this study adds a valuable perspective to the enhancement of academic journal interfaces.