Redefining Archival Access: Our Research on Designing Integrated Online Finding Aids
I am delighted to share that our article has been published in the Q2 Scopus-indexed journal Preservation, Digital Technology & Culture (PDT&C), published by De Gruyter. The paper, titled “Designing Integrated Online Finding Aids: Leveraging Content Analysis and Design Thinking for Effective Site Navigation and Wireframe Development,” is a collaborative work authored by Pitchai Arumugam, Singarayar Jayachristrayar, Rajendran Rega, and Jesus Rayar.
This study explores an innovative approach to designing unified and user-centred archival portals by integrating content analysis and design thinking. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, archives serve as vital custodians of cultural and historical memory. Yet, their digital interfaces often pose challenges for users seeking intuitive access to complex collections. Our research addresses this issue by proposing a comprehensive framework that enhances usability, accessibility, and navigation within online finding aids, enabling smoother and more meaningful user experiences.
By synthesizing analytical rigor with human-centred design methodologies, the study establishes a meaningful linkage between information architecture and user experience design, contributing to the development of archival systems that are both structurally coherent and operationally intuitive. The proposed framework offers a theoretically grounded and practically adaptable model for libraries, archives, and cultural heritage institutions aiming to redesign their digital discovery platforms through a design-driven, user-centred paradigm that advances accessibility, engagement, and the overall quality of digital interaction.
This publication reflects a significant step forward in advancing research at the intersection of digital preservation, information design, and user experience. I am deeply grateful to my co-authors and collaborators — Singarayar Jayachristrayar, Rajendran Rega, and Jesus Rayar for their valuable contributions, commitment, and teamwork throughout this research journey.
We hope that this study will inspire further exploration into innovative design models that strengthen digital archival accessibility and foster deeper engagement among diverse user communities.
📖 Read the full open-access article here: https://doi.org/10.1515/pdtc-2025-0028
