IOP Publishing (IOPP) has enhanced access to scientific research by streamlining its online authentication process for researchers. IOPP achieved this by working with identity and access management specialist, OpenAthens, and the global cross-stakeholder SeamlessAccess organisation.
The trio collaborated to enhance the user login journey to access research published by IOPP. Integration of the two services will enable users of IOPScience, IOPP’s online content platform, to move seamlessly between publisher websites. This supports researchers accessing information remotely. Wayfinder, OpenAthens’ organisational discovery service, is already being used by IOPP. This project sought to integrate it with the SeamlessAccess service to give users an industry leading, simplified sign-on process.
Implementing SeamlessAccess and Wayfinder gives users an easier way to login via federated access. The simple search function enables users to easily find their home organisation to login via federated single sign-on. Combined with good UX design, these services also help reduce the number of steps to login.
Following a trial run, the IOPP team and library customers reported improved access and better overall experience of logging in to view journals, e-books and other content. IOPP also saw an opportunity to redesign the authentication experience and improve overall visibility and simplicity.
The SeamlessAccess ‘button’ gives clear and visible cues to users, signposting them to login on the publisher’s site. Users will now be able to access content directly on IOPscience using their institutional login. They will only need to sign in once as the combined SeamlessAccess and Wayfinder solution remembers users’ previous choice of institution, while preserving privacy.
Removing multiple login options and steps for users reduces user frustration. Any barrier faced through the login process means users are more likely to resort to using pirate-content sites or content that has not been peer reviewed and quality checked.
Since the implementation of SeamlessAccess onto IOPscience, IOPP has seen an 82% increase in usage generated via federated authentication.
The beneficial impact of the initiative has prompted IOPP to focus further on user experience and the user interface on its website. This integration will soon be made available by OpenAthens to other publishers and providers already using the Wayfinder service.
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