Evaluating Usability in Biomedical Visualization: Rethinking Heuristic Evaluation for Spatial Omics and Multidisciplinary Research Platforms
2026-09-01 • Human-Computer Interaction
Human-Computer Interaction
AI summaryⓘ
The authors studied how people use clinical research informatics (CRI) platforms that combine complex tools like spatial omics and AI imaging. They found that users, especially those new to these methods, got overwhelmed by too many features shown at once and struggled with unclear tool labels. Through observing and interviewing users, the authors suggest that these platforms should introduce features gradually and provide helpful guidance during use. They propose three new usability rules to make these high-tech platforms easier to learn and use effectively by different research teams.
Clinical Research InformaticsSpatial OmicsAI-enabled ImagingUsability HeuristicsHigh-dimensional DataCognitive BurdenUser OnboardingData OverlaysFeature DisclosureContextual Guidance
Authors
Yulia A. Levites Strekalova, Rachel Liu Galvin, Jessica M. Ray, Samuel P. Border, Mishal Khan, Samantha Hoffman, Christina D. Beharry, Katie Kloss, Philipp Haessner, David Manthey, Sanjay Jain, Michael T. Eadon, Laura Barisoni, Pinaki Sarder
Abstract
Introduction: Clinical research informatics (CRI) platforms support biomedical discovery by integrating advanced computational tools into research workflows. Emerging technologies such as spatial omics and AI-enabled imaging expand research capabilities but introduce complex interfaces that increase cognitive burden and alter established analytical processes. Traditional usability frameworks identify general usability issues but often miss challenges specific to high-dimensional biomedical data. Methods: We conducted two complementary studies involving 39 participants to evaluate conventional usability heuristics and identify CRI-specific criteria. Study 1 included 19 undergraduates completing interactive tasks, and Study 2 involved 20 clinical professionals completing an asynchronous hierarchical task framework. Observational and interview data were analyzed using deductive coding based on standard usability heuristics and emerging CRI-specific themes. Results: Simultaneous presentation of complex data overlays and analytical tools overwhelmed users, particularly those with limited spatial-omics experience. Participants relied on trial-and-error exploration and struggled with unlabeled tools in data-rich environments. Feedback indicated that users benefit from phased onboarding, contextual guidance, and progressive feature introduction rather than immediate access to all functionality. Discussion: High-dimensional research platforms require domain-specific usability criteria beyond traditional frameworks. We propose three specialized heuristics: Active Parameter Transparency, Point-of-Use Guidance, and Phased Feature Disclosure. These heuristics help developers manage complexity, provide contextual support, and improve accessibility for multidisciplinary research teams.