What’s new on the AuthorAID website?

In December, we launched the first phase of our new AuthorAID website. The website needed to be updated with a new platform, but we aimed to keep much of the design and most of the functions intact.

However, in the first phase we introduced a modified system for finding and contacting other researchers. Using a series of drop-down menus and a messaging field, this system asks users to briefly outline what they wish to achieve by contacting other researchers. We also introduced a new design for researcher relationships, including a task system and a dashboard to aid in managing work. 

Much of the second phase has built on these modifications. As of Thursday (13 March), all of the new developments are live. One key feature is direct emailing through the system. When another researcher contacts you, you can reply directly through your email account, rather than logging in. The conversation is still logged and visible in your dashboard.

This feature also applies to attachments. Therefore, users can interact through email and the website without losing any information in between. Other changes include a more comprehensive site search function and upgrades to Moodle (the platform that AuthorAID uses for online courses).

We have also introduced a reporting system that lets users report any abuse of the site (such as spam) and any violation of the terms and conditions (such as copyright issues). If a report is made, an email containing the message being reported will be sent to the AuthorAID team. A copy also will go to the person who is reporting the issue.

An additional feature we have added is a mentor moderation system that requires potential mentors to fill in a brief application. Rather than present the details now, I will describe this function in a second post.  

Most of the changes focus on making it easier for researchers to contact one another and to continue communicating (be it for mentoring, advice, editing, or collaboration). Overall, we have aimed to make the website more accessible and features more visible — creating a more rewarding and user-friendly experience.

As AuthorAID thrives on a strong community, we welcome any feedback and questions you may have.

Liam