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One of the main aims of F1000Researchis to have the raw data behind every research and data article we publish on display (we are the only life sciences journal that does this systematically). But publishing data is just the first step; we also want this data to be easy to discover and easy to use.

As the first publisher to collaborate with figshare, an innovative data repository, and the only publisher to use the full extent of the figshare data widgets, we are pleased to showcase the new F1000Research Portal on figshare, as well as an updated design of our data widgets. These two new features will help aid the discoverability and ease of using the data we publish.

The portal
The F1000Research Portal on the figshare site has a browsing area and a statistics section(similar to the PLoS portal, also just released on figshare).

The browsing area brings together all of the data that we have published in one place. Here, data sets can be filtered by category, file type and popularity, making it easier for data foragers to identify the most relevant data for their purposes. A link to the data set’s associated F1000Researcharticle means it can be seen in its full context.

The statistics sectiondisplays graphical representations of the number and source of the views, shares and downloads for the data we have published.

Widget 2.0
We have also been working with figshare to improve the design and functionality of our data preview widgets. These windows, which feature in the online versions of our research and data articles, enable the raw data underlying research findings to be previewed and downloaded for reuse by anyone.

Small colour tweaks give the widget a more F1000Researchfeel, and clicking the magnifying glass button transports you into the new sleek, futuristic full-screen view where previews of all the files in the widget can be seen in greater detail.

A basic principle of biology is that form begets function and likewise, the updated widget design provides additional functional benefits. These include:

Multiple legends:There is no longer the constraint of having to include a sufficient description of every single data file within one legend. In the new set-up a separate legend for each file allows more concise and relevant descriptions.

Improved navigation:Newly added toggle buttons (< >) on the toolbar enable effortless flicking between file previews.

Readability:The text in the legend has been made darker so that it is now easier to read against the white background.

Many popular core features remain. For instance, you can still cite, share and track the number of views, shares and downloads of your data in exactly the same way as before.

These changes apply from today to both future widgets and those that have already been published. We hope these changes improve your data-viewing experience with F1000Research, and there will be more interesting and exciting developments along this vein coming soon.