Empirical research articles shall follow the IMRYD standard: Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results and Discussion.

Theoretical innovation articles shall follow the IMDC standard: Introduction, Method, Development and Conclusions.

Theoretical innovation articles must make original contributions, presenting theoretical advances and/or new theories about the phenomenon under study. Articles that merely compile existing literature, present a state of the art on a topic, or only offer, in one way or another, reviews of existing knowledge without making any substantive original contribution will be rejected.

For methodological innovation articles, novel contributions are sought that show, in detail, new methodological proposals and/or substantive and creative modifications of existing ones for the study of communication and emerging technologies. Articles must meticulously set out the analysis of previous methods upon which the innovation is based, detailing procedures, instruments, materials, etc. The fundamental aim of these articles must be for the reader to adequately understand the proposed method, so that they can put it into practice in their own research processes.

Articles will be rejected if they:

1. Present exclusively a documentary compilation.
2. Present a state of the art on a topic.
3. Only offer, in one way or another, reviews of existing knowledge without making any substantive original contribution.
4. Fall outside the thematic lines of the Thematic Sections (TS).

Articles must adhere precisely to the IMRYD model (for empirical research articles) or the IMDC model (for theoretical innovation articles).

See the Author guidelines for format, abstract, reference and data availability requirements.

ICONO 14 encourages the submission of replication studies, primarily of studies published in this journal. They are reviewed in two stages with blind review:

First stage. In the initial submission, authors must:

• State in the submission that the manuscript is a replication study.
• Submit a manuscript containing the abstract, introduction and methods, without the results and discussion sections (no information relevant to results should be disclosed).
• The methods section must include a complete analysis plan.

Second stage. If the first evaluation is passed, authors shall submit a complete manuscript.

These must be rigorous review articles that systematically synthesise existing evidence, following validated methodologies:

• PRISMA 2020 (mandatory for effectiveness reviews).
• SALSA Framework (for exploratory questions and conceptual synthesis).
• ProKnow-C (for systematic bibliometrics).
• Methodi Ordinatio (for relevance ranking in large corpora).

Mandatory methodological criteria

• Introduction: Contextualisation, justification, explicit organisational framework (e.g. TCCM, ADO, PICO), objectives aligned with the TS.
• Methodology: Strict adherence to the declared protocol, replicable search strategies, selection process with at least two independent reviewers.
• Separated references: Background literature is included in the reference list. The analysis corpus is deposited as supplementary material. It is indicated by [IDxxx]. Dual use is marked with an asterisk (*).

Grounds for automatic rejection

Omission of mandatory protocol items, inadequate theoretical framework, mixed references, incomplete methodology, unavailable data, non-transparent process, or content outside the scope of the TS.

Documentation required as appendices

Completed protocol checklist, selection flow diagram, full search strategies, corpus database as supplementary material, and justification of relevance for the specific TS.

When articles of any textual typology (empirical, theoretical, replication, SLR) include the study of cinematographic, videographic, television or multimedia works, they must meet the following methodological criteria:

Analysis corpus (methodological criterion)

Clearly specify the works comprising the sample and the selection or exclusion criteria (for example: theme, time period, country, platform or production type). The use of recognised methodologies is recommended, such as film analysis, content analysis, textual or multimodal analysis, and procedures should be described in sufficient detail to allow replication of the study.

Use and citation of audiovisual works

ICONO 14 distinguishes three forms of use for audiovisual works in articles, which must be treated differently:

1. Audiovisual works analysed as corpus: these constitute the units of analysis of the study and must be identified in the text by means of a unique identifier (e.g. [ID01], [ID02], etc.). These works must not be cited in author-year format in the text, but exclusively by their identifier.
2. Audiovisual works cited as theoretical or methodological references: these are used for their conceptual, historical or methodological relevance and must be cited in traditional format (author, year), and included in the general reference list.
3. Audiovisual works mentioned as illustrative examples: these are used solely for descriptive or contextual purposes, do not constitute corpus or references, and must be mentioned descriptively in the text, without author-year format or identifiers. For example: Las chicas del cable (Netflix, 2017) or Alta mar (Netflix, 2019).

List of audiovisual and/or multimedia works analysed

Terminological note: To avoid confusion, ICONO 14 distinguishes between the analysis corpus as a methodological concept (described in the Methodology section of the article: which works are analysed and using what criteria) and the List of audiovisual and/or multimedia works analysed as a final section of the article where the works are catalogued with their [IDxx] identifiers. Both concepts are related but occupy different positions in the manuscript.

The final section List of audiovisual and/or multimedia works analysed shall include exclusively the works comprising the analysis corpus, clearly differentiated from the general bibliographic references. This list must include the corresponding identifier ([IDxx]) and follow APA 7th edition formatting according to the type of work.

If a work serves a dual function (it forms part of the corpus and is also cited for its theoretical or methodological relevance), it must be marked with an asterisk (*) and its dual use must be explicitly indicated. In such cases, the work must appear in both sections:

• in the List of audiovisual and/or multimedia works analysed with its identifier [IDxx]*, and
• in the general References section in (author, year)* format.

Examples of use and citation according to the three forms

Example 1: Corpus work (use a)

In the text: "The mise en scène of [ID03] evidences a systematic use of the long take as a narrative device."

In the List of audiovisual and/or multimedia works analysed:

[ID03] Erice, V. (Director). (1973). El espíritu de la colmena [Film]. Elías Querejeta P.C.

Example 2: Work as theoretical reference (use b)

In the text: "Camus's adaptation (1982) demonstrated that the choral structure of the novel could be transferred to the cinematic medium whilst maintaining the polyphony of narrative voices."

In References:

Camus, M. (Director). (1982). La Colmena [Film]. Ágata Films.

Example 3: Work as illustrative example (use c)

In the text: "Recent series such as La Casa de Papel (Antena 3/Netflix, 2017–2021) have demonstrated the international viability of Spanish fiction."

Does not appear in either the List or the References.

Example 4: Work with dual function (corpus + theoretical reference)

In the text as corpus: "[ID07]* presents a fragmented narrative structure that connects with Deleuze's theses on the time-image."

In the text as reference: "As Medem (1992)* argues, the visual composition of the film follows an oneiric logic."

In the List of audiovisual and/or multimedia works analysed:

[ID07]* Medem, J. (Director). (1992). Vacas [Film]. Sogetel.

In References:

Medem, J. (Director). (1992). Vacas [Film]. Sogetel. *

Data availability and replicability

To ensure the replicability of the study, authors must describe and make available the data, listings, materials and analysis procedures used (e.g. corpus listing, selection criteria, variables or analysis instruments), either as supplementary material or by depositing them in open repositories, in accordance with the journal's Data, code and supplementary materials availability policy.

Deposit is mandatory and must be completed before or during the article submission. If legal, ethical or contractual restrictions prevent immediate open access, the materials must be deposited under embargo, providing from the outset the persistent link (DOI/URL) to the repository, the duration of the embargo and the expected release date. See the section Research data availability in the Author guidelines.

Methodological clarity

The indiscriminate mixing of corpus works with theoretical references, or the use of author-date format for analysed works, will not be permitted, in order to maintain methodological coherence and facilitate editorial typesetting.

Definition

An audiovisual research article is an original audiovisual piece (video essay, videographic essay) that articulates a research contribution through editing (image, sound, text), not as an illustrative appendix. It must include argument, evidence and editing decisions in a verifiable manner.

Currently available in: TS2. Audiovisual research.

Mandatory submission package

The submission comprises two elements that are assessed jointly:

(A) Audiovisual piece

• Private link to the video (video platform with password or unlisted link), or file shared via link.
• The piece must not contain credits or any elements that identify the authors during the review process.

(B) Research statement (1,000–1,500 words)

Anonymised textual document (Word/PDF) structured according to the IMDPC model:

Section	Name	Content
I	Introduction	Research objective/question, justification, corpus and selection criteria for the audiovisual material used.
M	Audiovisual methodology	Theoretical-methodological approach: which tradition of analysis or audiovisual practice underpins the work (film analysis, videographic criticism, practice-based research, etc.).
D	Editing decisions	Justification of editing decisions: why this audiovisual form is necessary for the argument; how the editing (juxtaposition, rhythm, sound layers, superimposed text) constructs the analysis.
P	Theoretical positioning	Dialogue with the literature: how the work is positioned in relation to previous studies, both textual and audiovisual.
C	Contribution and limitations	Main contribution, limitations, implications for research and, where applicable, considerations regarding rights/copyright and accessibility.

Technical requirements

Format	MP4 (H.264 codec)
Duration	Between 6 and 15 minutes (recommended)
Minimum resolution	1080p (Full HD). Minimum acceptable: 720p.
Audio	Stereo, level-normalised, free of peaks or clipping.
Subtitles	Mandatory. Embedded or as an attached .srt file. If voice is present, a full transcript must also be provided.
Maximum file size	500 MB (if submitted as a file).

Citation within the video

Sources used in the video shall be referenced through brief on-screen captions/overlays (author, year). Full references shall be included in the research statement.

Accessibility

Subtitles are mandatory in all cases. If the piece includes voice, a transcript shall be provided as supplementary material. The textual research statement ensures that the research contribution is accessible independently of the video.

Rights and use of materials

The use of third-party audiovisual extracts is inherent to the video essay format. Authors must comply with the general policy on third-party materials set out in the Author guidelines.

Additionally, audiovisual articles require:

• A specific declaration in section C (Contribution and limitations) of the research statement identifying the legal basis applied to third-party materials used: public domain, open licence, right of quotation for research and criticism purposes (Article 32 of the Spanish Intellectual Property Act / Article 10 of the Berne Convention), or express authorisation from the rights holder.
• Extracts must be used for critical and research purposes, to the extent necessary to support the argument, and not as mere illustration or entertainment.
• Where extracts come from works under collectively managed rights (e.g. music under SGAE/SIAE), expressly indicate how the use has been resolved.

By submitting the article, authors assume full responsibility for the use of the materials included and indemnify ICONO 14 against any third-party claims.

Supplementary materials (recommended)

• List of the audiovisual corpus used (where applicable), with [IDxx] identifiers.
• Timecoded segmentation of the main video fragments.
• Selection of representative stills (for the printable version of the article, where applicable upon acceptance).

Publication process

Once accepted, the journal will host the audiovisual piece on its institutional video system and integrate it into the article page in OJS together with the research statement and the assigned DOI. Additional deposit in Zenodo for long-term preservation is recommended.

Audiovisual typesetting: final publication version

Upon acceptance, authors must deliver a typeset version of the audiovisual piece incorporating the following editorial elements:

Opening title card (intro)

• Journal identity graphic element (the journal will supply the template or opening title card).
• Article title.
• Author name(s).

Closing card (outro) with credits

• Article title.
• Authorship with CRediT roles (see interpretation table below).
• Keywords.
• DOI (provided by the journal upon acceptance).
• Journal reference: Revista ICONO 14. Revista Científica de Comunicación y Tecnologías Emergentes.
• Year, volume and issue.
• Publication licence.
• Journal closing graphic element (the journal will supply the template).

The journal will supply authors with graphic templates (opening and closing title cards) and format guidelines to ensure visual coherence across the audiovisual catalogue.

CRediT roles in audiovisual articles

Audiovisual articles use the standard CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy). As these roles were designed for textual articles, the following table indicates how they are interpreted in the context of audiovisual production:

CRediT role	Standard interpretation	Interpretation in audiovisual articles
Conceptualisation	Ideas and problem formulation	Idea and design of the video essay: what argument is articulated and why in audiovisual format.
Methodology	Development of the methodological design	Theoretical-methodological approach to the analysis and the audiovisual form chosen to articulate the argument.
Investigation	Conducting the research and data collection	Analysis of the audiovisual corpus, source review, research work underpinning the piece.
Data curation	Data management and maintenance	Selection, organisation and management of audiovisual material: locating extracts, cataloguing fragments, file management.
Formal analysis	Application of analytical techniques	Formal film or audiovisual analysis underpinning editing decisions.
Writing — original draft	Writing the initial manuscript	Writing the research statement and creating the first edit of the audiovisual piece (the "draft" here encompasses both text and edit).
Writing — review & editing	Critical revision of the manuscript	Revision of the research statement and revision of the final edit: adjustments to rhythm, structure, corrections, refinement.
Visualisation	Preparation of graphics and figures	Graphics, captions/overlays, colour grading, subtitling: everything relating to the visual layer added over the base material.
Software	Programming and software development	Specific technical development: automation scripts, custom plugins, purpose-built editing tools. (Not applicable if standard editing tools are used.)
Resources	Provision of materials and means	Provision of study materials, access to archives and catalogues, recording equipment, technical infrastructure.
Validation	Verification of results	Verification of coherence between argument and edit, technical checking of the piece (image/sound quality, subtitles).
Supervision	Project direction and leadership	No change: academic direction of the work.
Project administration	Coordination and management	No change: coordination, deadlines, permissions, rights management.
Funding acquisition	Obtaining funding	No change.

Authors shall select their roles from this list. All roles are the 14 standard CRediT roles and will be exported as such in the metadata (JATS-XML, ORCID, Scopus).

Definition

An interactive multimedia research article is an original digital product (navigable data visualisation, interactive narrative, scrollytelling product, exploratory application) that articulates a research contribution through interactivity, accompanied by a research statement.

Currently available in: TS1. Interactive and immersive communication.

Mandatory submission package

The submission comprises two elements:

(A) Interactive multimedia product

For review:

• Private link to the multimedia product hosted on a server or hosting service accessible to reviewers (e.g. password-protected link, non-indexed URL or temporary hosting service).
• The product must not contain any elements that identify the authors during the review process.

Upon acceptance: authors must deliver a self-contained package in ZIP format with the following characteristics:

• An index.html file as the entry point.
• The package must work when opened in a modern browser without requiring a server, database or internet connection.
• All dependencies (CSS, JavaScript, libraries, images, data) must be included within the package. External CDNs and third-party APIs are not permitted.
• Tools such as Shorthand, Flourish or similar are acceptable provided the final output is exported as a self-contained HTML package.

(B) Research statement (1,000–1,500 words)

Anonymised textual document (Word/PDF) with an adapted IMDPC structure:

Section	Name	Content
I	Introduction	Research objective/question, justification, data or corpus used and selection criteria.
M	Interactive methodology	Theoretical-methodological approach: which research tradition underpins the work and why the interactive format is necessary for the argument.
D	Design and interaction decisions	Justification of design decisions: information architecture, navigation flows, interaction mechanisms, data visualisation. How interactivity constructs the analysis.
P	Theoretical positioning	Dialogue with the literature: positioning in relation to previous studies.
C	Contribution and limitations	Main contribution, limitations, implications, considerations regarding accessibility and digital preservation.

Technical requirements

Format	ZIP package with index.html as entry point.
Permitted technologies	HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript. No server dependencies (no PHP, no databases, no external APIs).
Compatibility	Must function in current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge.
Maximum size	100 MB (complete ZIP package).
Accessibility	Following the WCAG 2.1 guidelines at level AA is recommended.

Rights and use of materials

Interactive multimedia products may incorporate data, images, audiovisual fragments or other third-party content. Authors must comply with the general policy on third-party materials set out in the Author guidelines.

Additionally, interactive multimedia articles require:

• A specific declaration in section C (Contribution and limitations) of the research statement identifying the legal basis applied to third-party materials: public domain, open licence, right of quotation, or express authorisation from the rights holder.
• Where the product incorporates third-party datasets, the licence under which they were obtained must be specified.

By submitting the article, authors assume full responsibility for the use of the materials included and indemnify ICONO 14 against any third-party claims.

Supplementary materials (recommended)

• Screencast or demonstration video of the product in operation (for preservation and accessibility).
• PDF with screenshots of the main sections.
• Technical documentation (README with instructions, software versions, data sources).

Publication process

Once accepted, the journal will deploy the package on a subdomain or path on the ICONO 14 server (e.g. icono14.net/multimedia/2026/article-id/) and integrate it into the article page in OJS with an assigned DOI. The ZIP package will be deposited in Zenodo for long-term preservation.

Multimedia typesetting: final publication version

Upon acceptance, authors must deliver the final version of the ZIP package incorporating the following editorial elements:

Header (in index.html)

• Journal logo (the journal will supply the graphic file and usage guidelines).
• Article title.
• Author name(s).
• DOI (provided by the journal upon acceptance).

Credits (final section or footer of the product)

• Article title.
• Authorship with CRediT roles (see interpretation table below).
• Keywords.
• DOI.
• Journal reference: Revista ICONO 14. Revista Científica de Comunicación y Tecnologías Emergentes.
• Year, volume and issue.
• Publication licence.

The journal will supply authors with graphic guidelines (logo, colour palette, typography) to ensure visual coherence across the multimedia catalogue.

CRediT roles in interactive multimedia articles

Interactive multimedia articles use the standard CRediT taxonomy. The following table indicates how the roles are interpreted in the context of interactive multimedia production:

CRediT role	Standard interpretation	Interpretation in interactive multimedia articles
Conceptualisation	Ideas and problem formulation	Idea and design of the interactive product: what argument is articulated and why through interactivity.
Methodology	Development of the methodological design	Theoretical-methodological approach to the analysis and the interactive format chosen to articulate the argument.
Investigation	Conducting the research and data collection	Analysis of the corpus or data, source review, research work underpinning the product.
Data curation	Data management and maintenance	Selection, cleaning, organisation and management of data or materials feeding the interactive product.
Formal analysis	Application of analytical techniques	Formal analysis of the data or content underpinning design and interaction decisions.
Writing — original draft	Writing the initial manuscript	Writing the research statement and creating the first prototype of the interactive product.
Writing — review & editing	Critical revision of the manuscript	Revision of the research statement and refinement of the interactive product: adjustments to navigation, content, structure.
Visualisation	Preparation of graphics and figures	Visual interface design, web layout, data visualisation design, typography, layout.
Software	Programming and software development	Code development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript): programming of the interactive product, implementation of features, library integration.
Resources	Provision of materials and means	Provision of data, access to sources, hosting infrastructure, development tools.
Validation	Verification of results	Verification of coherence between argument and interaction, functional testing of the product (cross-browser compatibility, accessibility, offline operation).
Supervision	Project direction and leadership	No change: academic direction of the work.
Project administration	Coordination and management	No change: coordination, deadlines, management.
Funding acquisition	Obtaining funding	No change.

Authors shall select their roles from this list. All roles are the 14 standard CRediT roles and will be exported as such in the metadata (JATS-XML, ORCID, Scopus).