Presentation
Usability Assessment of a Spatial –Omics Tool for Digital Renal Pathology: A Multi-User Evaluation of the FUSION Platform
SessionPoster Session 1
DescriptionAbstract
We assessed the usability of FUSION, a spatial –omics platform for renal pathology, using activity theory and usability heuristics. Thirty-one participants completed structured tasks and surveys. Findings revealed marginal usability scores and highlighted barriers to task completion, especially among novice users. The study offers insights for improving training, interface design, and translational adoption of digital pathology tools across diverse user groups.
Introduction
The increasing adoption of digital and computational pathology and advancements in –omics technologies are transforming clinical research and practice. Developers of spatial –omics platforms face a double task of developing user-friendly technologies and educating the users on the new analytic activities and tasks that can be accomplished with these technologies. Activity theory and the usability heuristics framework provide a useful theoretical foundation for analyzing human interaction with emerging biomedical technologies.
Methods
We developed and conducted a mixed-methods usability study of FUSION (Functional Unit State IdentificatION in WSIs [Whole Slide Images]), a visualization and analysis platform optimized for use with large, high-resolution histology images and paired spatial multi –omics data.
Results
Thirty-one participants completed the usability session. While most participants had experience in renal and digital pathology, only 37% reported familiarity with –omics data. The mean System Usability Scale (SUS) score was 54, indicating marginal usability. Qualitative analysis revealed several usability challenges, including poor visibility of system status, inconsistent design standards, and limited support for error recovery. Users frequently engaged in exploratory behavior, indicating confusion with system features and task instructions. Tutorials were variably used, with some participants relying heavily on them and others bypassing them entirely. Feedback highlighted the need for more intuitive interfaces, clearer task guidance, and enhanced training materials. Despite these challenges, participants expressed interest in the platform’s potential for clinical and research applications. The study demonstrated that remote asynchronous usability testing is feasible and effective for engaging a geographically and professionally diverse user base.
Discussion and Conclusions
The findings underscore the importance of iterative, user-centered design in biomedical informatics tools. By identifying specific usability barriers and task-related confusion, this study provides a roadmap for improving FUSION’s interface and training supports. Future work will focus on refining the system based on user feedback, enhancing accessibility, and packaging the tool for broader deployment. As spatial –omics technologies become more central to pathology and systems biology, tools like FUSION must evolve to meet the needs of diverse users and support the transition to data-rich, integrated diagnostic environments.
We assessed the usability of FUSION, a spatial –omics platform for renal pathology, using activity theory and usability heuristics. Thirty-one participants completed structured tasks and surveys. Findings revealed marginal usability scores and highlighted barriers to task completion, especially among novice users. The study offers insights for improving training, interface design, and translational adoption of digital pathology tools across diverse user groups.
Introduction
The increasing adoption of digital and computational pathology and advancements in –omics technologies are transforming clinical research and practice. Developers of spatial –omics platforms face a double task of developing user-friendly technologies and educating the users on the new analytic activities and tasks that can be accomplished with these technologies. Activity theory and the usability heuristics framework provide a useful theoretical foundation for analyzing human interaction with emerging biomedical technologies.
Methods
We developed and conducted a mixed-methods usability study of FUSION (Functional Unit State IdentificatION in WSIs [Whole Slide Images]), a visualization and analysis platform optimized for use with large, high-resolution histology images and paired spatial multi –omics data.
Results
Thirty-one participants completed the usability session. While most participants had experience in renal and digital pathology, only 37% reported familiarity with –omics data. The mean System Usability Scale (SUS) score was 54, indicating marginal usability. Qualitative analysis revealed several usability challenges, including poor visibility of system status, inconsistent design standards, and limited support for error recovery. Users frequently engaged in exploratory behavior, indicating confusion with system features and task instructions. Tutorials were variably used, with some participants relying heavily on them and others bypassing them entirely. Feedback highlighted the need for more intuitive interfaces, clearer task guidance, and enhanced training materials. Despite these challenges, participants expressed interest in the platform’s potential for clinical and research applications. The study demonstrated that remote asynchronous usability testing is feasible and effective for engaging a geographically and professionally diverse user base.
Discussion and Conclusions
The findings underscore the importance of iterative, user-centered design in biomedical informatics tools. By identifying specific usability barriers and task-related confusion, this study provides a roadmap for improving FUSION’s interface and training supports. Future work will focus on refining the system based on user feedback, enhancing accessibility, and packaging the tool for broader deployment. As spatial –omics technologies become more central to pathology and systems biology, tools like FUSION must evolve to meet the needs of diverse users and support the transition to data-rich, integrated diagnostic environments.
Event Type
Poster Presentation
TimeMonday, March 234:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
LocationRhinelander Gallery
Digital Health