Interactive Abstract Service
Pubrica builds interactive abstracts: self-contained web pages that allow readers to explore a finding by changing a value. The service supports authors and institutions whose findings, such as a dose-response curve, a subgroup comparison or a model that depends on an assumption, are difficult to show in a static figure but clear when the reader can adjust a slider. Each interactive abstract is delivered with a static version for settings where interaction is not possible. Pubrica’s scientific illustrators and developers build both versions.
- Recommended only where interaction adds value; if a static figure presents the finding equally well, we will tell you and build that instead
- One self-contained HTML file, with no external dependencies, so it continues to work over time and can be hosted by your institution or deposited as a supplement
- Static version included, because email, print and many repositories cannot run interactive content
- Keyboard operable and contrast-checked to WCAG 2.2 AA
- Limited to what the data supports, because a control that allows readers to extrapolate beyond the evidence would produce a misleading figure
Self-contained interactive HTML pageIncluded
Static fallback versionIncluded
Accessibility pass to WCAG 2.2 AAIncluded
Source files handed overIncluded
Hosting, domains and analyticsProvided by you or your institution
Finding → tested → built → checked → page
- Interaction assessed before development
- One self-contained file
- Static version supplied
- Keyboard operable and contrast-checked
- Controls limited to the evidence
Deliverables
Four Components of Every Interactive Abstract
Each interactive abstract presents one finding and one variable the reader can change, and every control stays within the range of the data.
Example from project scopingA bar chart with a slider that changes only the animation is decorative. A curve whose shape changes as the reader varies an assumption explains the finding.
Example from a design reviewA slider running from 0 to 100 mg, on a trial that tested 20 and 40.Two tested doses are selectable, and the interpolation between them is shown and labelled as uncertain, so the reader can see what was and was not tested.
Example from a buildInteractive pages that load code from external sources often stop working within a few years. A self-contained file remains usable for later readers.
Example from a deliveryThe static version is an essential deliverable, because many readers will see only that version.
The samples shown are illustrative and anonymised. Hover over a sample to replay it.
Compliance and Standards
Interactive Abstract Standards and Accessibility Guidelines
Where a journal or repository specifies what it will host, we follow its requirements.
Journal supplement requirements (file type, size and scripting)
Many journals and repositories do not host pages that run scripts, so the static version is included as standard.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (level AA)
Keyboard operation, contrast, text alternatives and focus order, which universities and funders increasingly require for any content they host.
COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics)
Corrections, errata and retractions follow the COPE flowcharts, and a derived format may not claim more than the paper supports.
Quality management (cert. H3CR9TCU20251212INDQM10N)
Our certified quality system governs how work is briefed, produced, reviewed and released.
Responsible Use of AI
Our Approach to AI Use in Interactive Abstracts
AI image generation presents a particular integrity risk in scientific figures. A generated cell, scan or apparatus that does not exist constitutes image fabrication, and journals now screen for it.
Why We Do Not Publish AI Accuracy Figures
Accuracy figures for AI tools are usually reported by the companies that sell them.
Pubrica therefore does not quote a self-generated accuracy figure, because it would carry the same conflict of interest. Instead, we tell you which tool was used on your project, at which stage, and what a specialist changed afterwards.
Our Process
How Our Interactive Abstract Process Works
The first step assesses whether interaction will help, and it may show that a static format is the better choice.
Interaction Suitability Assessment
We review the finding and advise whether readers would learn more by changing a value. If not, we recommend a graphical abstract or an infographic instead.
Control Scoping
We define what the reader can change and the range the data supports, and set these limits before development begins.
Self-Contained Build
We build a single HTML file with all code included, keyboard operable and contrast checked, and test it on mobile and desktop screens.
Static Version and Handover
We produce the static version and deliver both versions with source files, applying any journal or repository format requirements.
Our Experts
Your Interactive Abstract Team
A named team of subject specialists stays with your project from scoping to delivery. Your project coordinator introduces each team member by name before work begins.
Reviews the scientific content for accuracy and confirms that each conclusion is supported by the evidence. Each expert is matched to your field of research.
Designs and builds figures and interactive pages that represent the data accurately and meet the specifications of the target journal or platform.
Checks the finished work independently against the agreed scope and the applicable checklist. Findings are logged and resolved before delivery.
Manages the timeline, keeps you informed at each stage and coordinates the team so that questions are answered and deadlines are met.
Packages
Interactive Abstract Packages
Prices depend on the number of interactive elements and the amount of data behind them.
Interactive abstract
For one paper with a finding that benefits from exploration
Quoted per projectAccording to the number of interactive elements
Delivery Quoted by scope
- ✓Scoping call to assess whether interaction helps
- ✓One self-contained HTML page
- ✓Controls limited to the evidence
- ✓Static fallback version
- ✓WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility check
- ✓Source files handed over
If scoping shows that a static figure would work better, we will tell you before you commission the work.
Deliverables Request a quoteScroll-driven explainer
For a finding that needs to be explained step by step
Quoted per projectAccording to section count and data complexity
Delivery Quoted by scope
- ✓A scroll-driven explanation with the figure changing as the reader progresses
- ✓Several linked interactive elements
- ✓Written explanation alongside the visuals
- ✓Static version of the whole piece
- ✓Accessibility check throughout
Suitable for a method or mechanism that must be understood in sequence.
Deliverables Request a quoteSend us the finding, and we will assess free of charge whether interaction will help. Often it will not, and we will recommend a simpler format.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Interactive Abstracts
If your question is not answered here, please ask an expert. No quote is required.
When readers learn something by changing a value, for example in a dose-response relationship, a sensitivity analysis or a model whose behaviour depends on an assumption.
When the finding is a single comparison, a static figure communicates it more quickly and can be shared more widely. We advise on this at scoping.
Anywhere. It is one self-contained HTML file with no external dependencies, so it can be hosted on an institutional page, a repository or a personal website.
Some journals host interactive files as supplements and some do not run scripts, so the static version is included as standard.
Yes; that is why we build it as a self-contained file. Interactive pages that load code from a content delivery network often stop working when that code moves or is removed.
A single file with all code included has no such dependency and can be archived as it is.
Yes. It is keyboard operable, contrast checked to WCAG 2.2 AA, with a logical focus order and text alternatives.
For some readers the static version is more suitable, and it is always delivered alongside the interactive version.
Related Services
Related Research Impact Services
Most papers are well served by a static format, and these services provide them.
1STATIC FORMATSsuitable for most papers
Graphical abstractA single image, $150 for 2D and $250 for 3D. Infographic abstractDesigned to stand alone on social media.2FOR DATA SHARINGdata deposit and visualisation
Research data serviceDeposit, metadata and FAIR compliance. Interpretation and visualisationFigures prepared to the journal’s specification.3OTHER FORMATSthe same finding
Video abstractThe same finding presented on screen. Audio abstractNarrated, with a transcript.Request a Free Interactive Abstract Suitability Assessment
We will tell you free of charge whether interaction will help your finding, and if a static format is better, we will recommend it instead.