Papers & Others

The application of questionnaires in scientific projects targeting young people poses various challenges, like possible misinterpretation of questions or declining response rates due to survey fatigue (Hirosawa & Oga-Baldwin, 2022). One significant hurdle is designing age-appropriate, engaging questions that accurately capture the needed information (Solans-Domènech et al., 2019). These issues underscore the need for researchers to adapt survey instruments to consider the questions’ characteristics and the developmental stages of young people (Taherdoost, 2022). This study sought to analyse new trends in online questionnaires to engage and involve young participants in scientific research. Conducted as part of the Digital Media Observatory (DigitalOBS) in partnership with the Students@Digimedia initiative, it involved a transdisciplinary team from the fields of digital technologies, art, and psychology. The study started by benchmarking platforms that allow the creation of online questionnaires and analysing different ways of presenting questions using an explanatory study methodology. The team developed a standard questionnaire to determine which formats appeal most to younger audiences. After six experts validated this questionnaire, the team conducted focus groups with students from different departments at the University of Aveiro.The results emphasisethe importance of ensuring the questionnaire’s language and context relate to the intended age group. The results show the significance of using informal language and interactive elements like videos, gifts, or AI-created characters to boost response rates and engagement.This study’s results have paved the way for developing recommendations and best practices for conducting online questionnaires for young people. The findings suggest that a creative and interactive approach, combined with understanding the young audience’s preferences and developmental stages, could enhance their motivation and involvement.The detailed results of this study will be made available on the University of Aveiro’s DigitalOBs website (https://digitalobs.pt), allowing these findings tobe sharedwith the community

During swift technological progress and digitalisation, the spread of scientific knowledge has undergone substantial changes. Making scientific knowledge more accessible can lead to well-informed decisions at all societal levels. By embracing this kind of communication, the scientific community may effectively connect complex scientific concepts with the general population (Bajracharya et al., 2021). This methodology cultivates confidence and comprehension among scientists and the public, thereby advancing a more knowledgeable society in scientific matters. It fosters inquisitiveness, analytical reasoning, and a heightened recognition of the significance and influence of science in our everyday existence. Dynamic digital platforms are increasingly replacing or enhancing traditional means of scientific dissemination. It is essential to comprehend the methods of effectively communicating scientific information, specifically for this research by developing interactive and captivating e-booksthrough research collaboration (Pérez and Alamán, 2022; Rountree, 2020). The analysis of data with a specific focus on emerging technologies in digital media (Mattoni, 2017) influences science communication. We discuss the difficulties and possibilities that arise when creating digital tools for science communication, such as concerns regarding projects and doctoral theses, as such trends of digital media field, like gamification and artificial intelligence. Through collaboration between DigitalOBS and the Students@DigiMedia initiative by DigiMedia Research Centre, the main goal is to analyse existing tools for creating e-books and to develop a content presentation model for the final publication template, with the target of publishing in the platform of DigitalOBS (https://digitalobs.pt/). The methodology approach entails extensive study, meticulous planning, innovative design, and user-friendliness. Currently, the team already has four e-books published with themes such as Presentation of DigitalOBS; Trends in the FCT Projects; Trends, Methodologies and Contributions in Digital Media Doctorates; and Empowering Youth through Exploring the Role of Games in fostering Media Literacy during times of crisis. As a result, it is expected to connect scientific knowledge to public comprehension, enabling individuals and organisations to research scientific trends and optimal methods. It aims to provide information to scientists, educators, publishers, and digital media professionals, helping them to effectively communicate science in an ever-growing digital environment.

This study aimed to provide an overview of the doctoral theses carried out in the field of Digital Media over the last six years. Two doctoral programs linked to the DigiMedia Research Centre were considered: the Doctorate in Multimedia in Education and the Doctorate in Information and Communication on Digital Platforms. A total of 46 theses were collected from the Institutional Repositories and analyzed considering their title, abstract, keywords, objectives, adopted methodology, type of funding, scientific publications and dissemination actions that each doctoral student carried out during their journey. The results of this analysis show that the most used methodologies were case studies and research-based design; and the most used instruments are observation, surveys, interviews and focus groups. These theses, final scientific-technological products such as digital platforms, mobile applications, models, and prototypes have been built in various areas of study. The information gathered was systematized and recorded in a spreadsheet and uploaded into Microsoft Power BI software for presentation of the results and interactive data visualization on this Research Centre’s Digital Observatory website. With these findings, we hope to contribute to generating knowledge in the field of Digital Media and provide insights for future research and development in this area. Furthermore, the study results can inform decision-making processes for funding and resource allocation within the DigiMedia Center and guide the development of new doctoral programs and curricula.

This paper presents the Performance Assessment Model (PAM), designed to refine assessment practices for the impact of scientific projects and make them easier to understand with the help of information visualisation tools (InfoVis). The model incorporates three main dimensions: input, output, and impact, to capture the breadth of scientific contributions. Using PAM, a holistic analysis of project results and impacts can be conducted, integrating qualitative and quantitative data. The project team tested the model on ten research projects, which allowed for its adaptation to different project types and ensured a comprehensive assessment of tangible and intangible impact. Data organised with PAM was transferred to Power BI, a software that allows for interactive visualisation and detailed data analysis. The model’s adaptability and flexibility make it valuable for assessing how effectively scientific projects create positive, enduring impacts on society. The study results indicate that PAM provides a systematic approach to evaluating and enhancing the performance of scientific projects. It is particularly beneficial for research centre managers needing an effective tool to measure their projects’ impacts. PAM also promotes transparency and accountability in the evaluation process. Ultimately, it can ensure scientific projects are carried out effectively and efficiently, maximising societal benefits.

This study aims to understand the most effective way to present the results and impacts of research projects in the field of Digital Media collected by the (REMOVED) Observatory. The focus is developing dashboards using InfoVis tools and Business Intelligence – BI – to showcase a large volume of collected data. The study takes an exploratory approach with three main phases: researching available InfoVis tools, creating sample dashboards using InfoVis tools, and implementing project dashboards using Power BI. The team has developed dashboards that provide a clear, structured view of the project, aggregating the following information: title, logo, objectives, keywords, funding, human resources, partners, methodological procedures, scientific and technological products, publications, dissemination, recognition, and SDGs. These dashboards offer interactive reports and visualizations to assist researchers in analysing, interpreting, and communicating the outcomes of their projects. This study can help to improve the overall data presentation experience, simplifying the analysis and knowledge-sharing process within the digital media research community.