Interactive formats: considerations for scientific publications

Abstract

Introduction: In the digital age, information retrieval is dominated by digital data and the demand for digital media is continually growing, consequently the dynamics are very different and e-journals can take advantage of this transition phase as an opportunity to explore ways more effective.Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out in the main databases and other search services. The terms “interactive formats”, “data visualization”, “interactive graphics”, “scientific publication” were used as search descriptors.Results: An interactive publication could contain many multimedia objects: text, video, audio, bitmap images, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, or animation sequences. These objects can be in different file formats. Interactive media can be defined as the integration of various digital media content, including multimedia elements (text, graphics, audio, animation and video) into structured and engaging computerized digital content, facilitating dynamic interaction for specific purposes. An interactive approach is interesting and desirable, because users will get dynamic reactions. They have been revealed and demonstrated that the use of 3D technology for academic publications is useful and necessary. However, widespread application is yet to come. The new academic contexts can serve as a starting point for many scientific journals to redefine their position and open new fields of dissemination and financing.Conclusions: Scientific journals must take advantage of the new virtual scenarios to reorganize their communication processes and face new formats of scientific dissemination.