Authors are encouraged to review the Aims and Scope of the journal to ensure alignment with this orientation prior to preparing their manuscript.
Authors are required to carefully follow these guidelines to ensure consistency, clarity, and adherence to the journal’s academic standards. Instructions related to the submission process, peer review, open access, copyright, publication ethics, and malpractice policies are available on the journal website and should be consulted separately.
Author Guidelines in Pdf
IDR Journal Template word
All manuscripts must follow the formatting requirements below.
Authors are strongly encouraged to use the official IDR Journal Template
Font and Style: Barlow, 9 pt; aligned to the top left corner of the manuscript.
Title
Font and Style: Barlow, 20pt, Bold, line spacing 1.0
Font and Style: Barlow, Follow the IDR template or refer Author Guideline Pdf.
Abstract
Max 300 words; single paragraph; no citations; abbreviations allowed if defined at first mention; include context and purpose, research problem, approach or method, key findings or outcomes, and overall contribution; for practice-led research include design context, process or artefact, methods (e.g., prototyping or making), and key insights or reflections.
Font and Style: Barlow, 10pt, italic, line spacing 1.0
Keywords
3–5 keywords; separated by semicolons; capitalize the first keyword and use lowercase for the remaining keywords; use relevant and consistent terminology to support indexing.
Font and Style: Barlow, 10pt, italic, line spacing 1.0
Headings
Use a maximum of three levels; ensure clear hierarchy and consistency; avoid excessive subdivision; include at least one paragraph under each heading.
Font and Style:
Main: Barlow Semi Bold, 12 pt; 1.5 line space after; no indent; Arabic numbering (1., 2., 3.);
Sub: Barlow Semi Bold, 12 pt, Italic; 1.5 line space after; no indent; hierarchical numbering (1.1, 1.2, 1.3);
Sub-section: Barlow Medium, 11 pt, Italic; 1.0 line space after; 0.25 cm indent; alphabetical numbering (a., b., c.)
Body Text
Single-column layout; no paragraph indentation; justified alignment; leave one line space between paragraphs
Font and Style: Barlow, 11 pt; line spacing 1.0
Bullet Points
Optional; use sparingly; indent 0.25 cm
Font and Style: Barlow, 11 pt; line spacing 1.0
Figures
Use figures to support content; ensure relevance and clarity; number sequentially and reference in text; caption below with concise and accessible description; combine images where appropriate and label (a, b, c); acknowledge sources using a note; submit high-resolution files upon acceptance. Follow the IDR template or refer Author Guideline Pdf.
Font and Style: Barlow, 9 pt; Figure label: Bold Italic; Caption:Italic; Figure alignment: centre; Label and Caption alignment: left; Label and Caption placement: Top of figure.
Tables
Use tables to present structured data clearly; ensure relevance and clarity; number sequentially and reference in text; caption above with concise description; avoid duplication of information already in text; acknowledge sources using a note where applicable.
Font and Style: Barlow, 9 pt; Table label: Bold Italic; Caption:Italic; Table alignment: centre; Label and Caption alignment: left; Label and Caption placement: Top of table.
Charts/Graphs
Use charts and graphs to present quantitative data; ensure clarity and readability; number sequentially and reference in text; caption below with concise description; include legends and labels for interpretation; acknowledge sources using a note where applicable
Font and Style: Barlow, 9 pt; Chart/Graph label: Bold Italic; Caption:Italic; Chart/Graph alignment: centre; Label and Caption alignment: left; Label and Caption placement: Top of Chart/Graph
Notes
(for Figures/ Tables)
Use notes to provide additional information, acknowledge sources, clarify content, or indicate adapted/reproduced/author-generated material; place below figure, table, or chart following caption; use when citing sources, adapting content, or when additional explanation is required; not compulsory—include only when relevant.
Font and Style: Barlow, 9 pt; Note label and Caption:Italic; Begin with ’Note.’ (dot and space then the caption) Note alignment: left; Note placement: Bottom of figure/ tables/ charts/ graphs.
References
List references in alphabetical order; follow APA 7th edition; ensure all in-text citations are included; use hanging indent (second line indented 0.25 cm). Authors are encouraged to refer to the official APA 7th edition: https://uom.lk/lib/citation-referencing.
Font and Style:
Heading: Barlow Semi Bold, 12 pt; 1.5 line space after; no indent;
References: Barlow, 10 pt; line spacing 1.15; first line flush left; second line 0.25 cm indent
Acknowledgements
Include only in final version; optional; acknowledge individuals, institutions, funding, or support; avoid authorship-level contributions; keep concise.
Font and Style: Barlow, 9 pt; Acknowledgements label: Bold Italic; text: Italic
AI Declaration
Include only if applicable; place before references; declare use of AI tools with purpose; ensure human review and responsibility; do not list AI as author.
Font and Style: Barlow, 9 pt; Acknowledgements label: Bold Italic; text: Italic
Template
Please download and prepare your article using the IDR Journal Template