Designing visual hierarchies for the communication of health data.

OBJECTIVES: Visual hierarchy underlies all visual design decisions related to information presentation. This manuscript describes the experience of a multidisciplinary health data visualization and software design team in using visual hierarchy to redesign a hereditary colorectal cancer lab report. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of interviews with representative users were conducted to identify target user groups and determine information hierarchy for each user type. Visual elements (eg, size, color, contrast, etc.) were then assigned to mirror the information hierarchy and workflow for each user type. RESULTS: User research identified 2 distinct user groups as consumers of the redesigned lab report. An interactive design employing a 2-level page hierarchy was developed, which stratified the content to support the needs of each user type. CONCLUSIONS: The challenges related to displaying the complex nature of digital and personal health data can be addressed by applying foundational design methods such as visual hierarchy. DISCUSSION: Visual hierarchy, a foundational design principle, can be used by visualization teams to clearly and efficiently present complex datasets associated with healthcare.

Pilots' Reactions to Different Types of Alerts When Using Head-Up Displays.

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of using head-up displays (HUDs) include reducing head-down time during critical flight phases, enhancing awareness of the external environment, and improving in-flight crew performance. However, the monochromatic nature of HUDs, increased head rotation, and longer gaze movement paths might affect pilots' reactions to different types of alerts.METHODS: Pilot workload and behavior differences were examined between HUD and head-down display (HDD) configurations in three alert scenarios. The study was carried out in an A320 flight simulator and 12 pilots participated.RESULTS: Except for one engine-on-fire scenario, pilot workload when using a HUD was significantly lower than using an HDD. In one engine-on-fire (3.98 s vs. 3.57 s) and one gear-disagree (5.42 s vs. 4.69 s) scenario, pilot response time to alerts using HUD was significantly longer than using an HDD. The angle deviations were significantly smaller when using HUDs in both go-around-under-crosswind (2.67° vs. 3.37°) and one engine-on-fire scenario (1.22° vs. 1.89°).DISCUSSION: The HUD is suitable for a lengthy process of manual flight control inputs, which not only reduces workload but also promotes control accuracy. For tasks that rely on automation, the benefits for workload become less obvious. In addition, head rotation and reorientation of attention adversely affected the response time to non-time-critical warnings and cautions. For instantaneous control with high precision requirements, HUDs did not demonstrate a significant advantage.Zheng Y, Lu Y, Jie Y, Fu S. Pilots' reactions to different types of alerts when using head-up displays. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(9):688-694.

Impacts of information quantity and display formats on driving behaviors in a connected vehicle environment.

The emerging connected vehicle (CV) technologies facilitate the development of integrated advanced driver assistance systems (ADASs), with which various functions are coordinated in a comprehensive framework. However, challenges arise in enabling drivers to perceive important information with minimal distractions when multiple messages are simultaneously provided by integrated ADASs. To this end, this study introduces three types of human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for an integrated ADAS: 1) three messages using a visual display only, 2) four messages using a visual display only, and 3) three messages using visual plus auditory displays. Meanwhile, the differences in driving performance across three HMI types are examined to investigate the impacts of information quantity and display formats on driving behaviors. Additionally, variations in drivers' responses to the three HMI types are examined. Driving behaviors of 51 drivers with respect to three HMI types are investigated in eight field testing scenarios. These scenarios include warnings for rear-end collision, lateral collision, forward collision, lane-change, and curve speed, as well as notifications for emergency events downstream, the specified speed limit, and car-following behaviors. Results indicate that, compared to a visual display only, presenting three messages through visual and auditory displays enhances driving performance in four typical scenarios. Compared to the presentation of three messages, a visual display offering four messages improves driving performance in rear-end collision warning scenarios but diminishes the performance in lane-change scenarios. Additionally, the relationship between information quantity and display formats shown on HMIs and driving performance can be moderated by drivers' gender, occupation, driving experience, annual driving distance, and safety attitudes. Findings are indicative to designers in automotive industries in developing HMIs for future CVs.

User experience with ultrawide curved displays: A mixed methods analysis.

Due to the trend of replacing dual displays with ultrawide (UW) curved displays, we used a mixed methods analysis to investigate the user experience with UW curved displays. We conducted an experimental laboratory study that quantified user self-selected positions for three displays - 24 in. flat panel, and 34 in. and 40 in. UW curved displays. Participants were first provided with a familiarization protocol, and they then positioned the display. The self-selected UW display viewing distances were within current recommendations; however, viewing distance increased with display size, potentially challenging small work surface depths and may have been in response to feeling "overwhelmed" by larger displays. Head twist range of motion increased with display width. While all displays were within recommendations, participants commented that less head twisting was a factor in choosing the 34 in. over the 40 in. display. Practitioners should assess potential workstation limitations and the potential impact on neck twist angles when installing ultrawide displays.

A systematic review of camera monitor system display layout designs: Integration of existing knowledge.

Despite the growing interest in mirrorless vehicles equipped with a camera monitor system (CMS), the human factors research findings on CMS display layout design have not been synthesized yet, hindering the application of the knowledge and the identification of future research directions. In an effort to address the 'lack of integration of the existing knowledge', this literature review addresses the following research questions: 1) what CMS display layout designs have been considered/developed by academic researchers and by automakers, respectively?; 2) among possible CMS display layout design alternatives, which ones have not yet been examined through human factors evaluation studies?; and 3) how do the existing human factors studies on the evaluation of different CMS display layout designs vary in the specifics of research? This review provides significant implications for the ergonomic design of CMS display layouts, including some potential design opportunities and future research directions.

CPU-GPU-coupled acceleration method for point flux calculation in Monte Carlo particle transport.

In Monte Carlo particle transport simulations, point flux tallying is a variance reduction technique that performs well with small detectors and finds broad application in source-detector problems and local point dose calculations. However, its use in large-scale point flux tallying computation adds substantial computational time. To address this issue, we propose a CPU-GPU-coupled acceleration method, which separates the complex logic and computationally intensive parts of particle transport calculation and assigns them to the CPU and GPU, respectively. This proposed method greatly enhances the efficiency of large-scale point flux tallies, providing significant convenience for subsequent dose calculations and other related steps. We validated our method by comparing the performance of a pure CPU program with our CPU-GPU accelerated program using the NUREG/CR-6115 PWR benchmark problem. The results indicate identical outcomes for photon point flux estimation, with the accelerated program being ~50 times faster.

ezBIDS: Guided standardization of neuroimaging data interoperable with major data archives and platforms.

Data standardization promotes a common framework through which researchers can utilize others' data and is one of the leading methods neuroimaging researchers use to share and replicate findings. As of today, standardizing datasets requires technical expertise such as coding and knowledge of file formats. We present ezBIDS, a tool for converting neuroimaging data and associated metadata to the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) standard. ezBIDS contains four major features: (1) No installation or programming requirements. (2) Handling of both imaging and task events data and metadata. (3) Semi-automated inference and guidance for adherence to BIDS. (4) Multiple data management options: download BIDS data to local system, or transfer to OpenNeuro.org or to brainlife.io. In sum, ezBIDS requires neither coding proficiency nor knowledge of BIDS, and is the first BIDS tool to offer guided standardization, support for task events conversion, and interoperability with OpenNeuro.org and brainlife.io.

A Patient-Centered Approach to Collecting and Displaying Patient Identifiers.

Patient identifiers such as name, date of birth, or gender are the first line of defense to ensure the accuracy of the health data displayed in health information exchange. Health data display is the impetus for clinical decisions and patient outcomes and directly correlates with promoting interoperability and health information exchange. Therefore, constant monitoring of quality metrics is imperative for clinical leaders to keep a pulse on what is happening within their organizations. However, the electronic health records (EHRs) designer should also take precautions to ensure the visualizations are not misleading, given that EHRs have been shown in some studies to lead to increased patient safety events.

User-Centered Data Display for Clinicians to Diagnose and Manage Hypertension.

The accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of hypertension are hindered by challenges stemming from limited access to comprehensive blood pressure (BP) data and the need for clinical context surrounding BP readings. Using handwritten tables for home-monitored BP exacerbates issues related to integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and trend analysis. This study employs user-centered design principles to develop prototypes for BP data visualization, with the primary goal of harmonizing disparate BP data sources to empower clinicians in precise hypertension diagnosis and management.

Information displays for automated surveillance algorithms of in-hospital patient deterioration: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: Surveillance algorithms that predict patient decompensation are increasingly integrated with clinical workflows to help identify patients at risk of in-hospital deterioration. This scoping review aimed to identify the design features of the information displays, the types of algorithm that drive the display, and the effect of these displays on process and patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Five databases were searched with dates between January 1, 2009 and January 26, 2022. Inclusion criteria were: participants-clinicians in inpatient settings; concepts-intervention as deterioration information displays that leveraged automated AI algorithms; comparison as usual care or alternative displays; outcomes as clinical, workflow process, and usability outcomes; and context as simulated or real-world in-hospital settings in any country. Screening, full-text review, and data extraction were reviewed independently by 2 researchers in each step. Display categories were identified inductively through consensus. RESULTS: Of 14 575 articles, 64 were included in the review, describing 61 unique displays. Forty-one displays were designed for specific deteriorations (eg, sepsis), 24 provided simple alerts (ie, text-based prompts without relevant patient data), 48 leveraged well-accepted score-based algorithms, and 47 included nurses as the target users. Only 1 out of the 10 randomized controlled trials reported a significant effect on the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant advancements in surveillance algorithms, most information displays continue to leverage well-understood, well-accepted score-based algorithms. Users' trust, algorithmic transparency, and workflow integration are significant hurdles to adopting new algorithms into effective decision support tools.

Healthcare providers' understanding of data displays of clinical trial information: a scoping review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare providers often encounter clinical trial results in the form of visual data displays. Although there is a robust literature on patient responses to data displays in medical settings, less is known about how providers comprehend and apply this information. Our study provides a scoping review of the literature on providers' reactions to and perceptions of data displays. METHODS: We searched article databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library) supplemented by handsearching. Eligible articles were published in English from 1990 to 2020. RESULTS: We identified 15 articles meeting our criteria. Studies with physicians were more prevalent (13/15) than those with other healthcare providers (6/15). Commonly assessed outcomes included objective (10/15) and subjective comprehension (4/15), preference for certain data display formats (6/15), and hypothetical decision-making around prescribing (4/15). In studies that assessed comprehension of clinical trial concepts, scores were average or below what would be considered mastery of the information. Data display formats that were preferred did not always correlate with better comprehension of information; lesser preferred formats (e.g. icon array) often resulted in better comprehension. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that healthcare providers may not accurately interpret complex types of data displays, and it is unknown if such limitations affect actual decision-making. Interventions are needed to enhance comprehension of complex data displays within the context of prescription drug professional promotion.

Inpatient nurses' preferences and decisions with risk information visualization.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the influence of 4 different risk information formats on inpatient nurses' preferences and decisions with an acute clinical deterioration decision-support system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a comparative usability evaluation in which participants provided responses to multiple user interface options in a simulated setting. We collected qualitative data using think aloud methods. We collected quantitative data by asking participants which action they would perform after each time point in 3 different patient scenarios. RESULTS: More participants (n = 6) preferred the probability format over relative risk ratios (n = 2), absolute differences (n = 2), and number of persons out of 100 (n = 0). Participants liked average lines, having a trend graph to supplement the risk estimate, and consistent colors between trend graphs and possible actions. Participants did not like too much text information or the presence of confidence intervals. From a decision-making perspective, use of the probability format was associated with greater concordance in actions taken by participants compared to the other 3 risk information formats. DISCUSSION: By focusing on nurses' preferences and decisions with several risk information display formats and collecting both qualitative and quantitative data, we have provided meaningful insights for the design of clinical decision-support systems containing complex quantitative information. CONCLUSION: This study adds to our knowledge of presenting risk information to nurses within clinical decision-support systems. We encourage those developing risk-based systems for inpatient nurses to consider expressing risk in a probability format and include a graph (with average line) to display the patient's recent trends.

[Studies on the Effectiveness of High-luminance Monitors in Mammography Softcopy Interpretation].

PURPOSE: Recently, monitors with maximum luminance exceeding 2000 cd/m2 (high-luminance monitor) have been used for diagnostic mammography. In this study, we examined the visibility of high-luminance monitors by converting luminance meter measurements into the just noticeable difference (JND) Index. The ambient light was also examined at the same time. METHOD: The high-luminance monitor is a 21.3-inch IPS monochrome monitor with a maximum luminance of 3000 cd/m2. Experiments were conducted with a minimum luminance of 0.6 cd/m2 and a maximum luminance of 500, 850, and 1200 cd/m2. The luminance ratio was set to 1 : 2000 and the maximum luminance was changed to 500, 1000, and 2000 cd/m2. The ambient light was varied to 8.7, 36.1, 61.3, and 129.6 lx. The Japan Radiological Society recommended luminance values for each stage of phantom and Grayscale Standard Display Function curves were measured. RESULT: The JND increased as the maximum luminance was increased for both the case with the same minimum luminance and the case with the same luminance ratio, and visibility was improved. CONCLUSION: In both the case of the same minimum luminance and the case of the same luminance ratio, the JND was found to increase as the maximum luminance was increased. The results suggest that high-luminance monitors may improve visibility and allow for higher ambient light settings. Furthermore, the degree of eye fatigue needs to be verified.

[Display Performance of X-ray Image Output from DICOM-embedded Printer to Paper-based Hard Copy Print: Comparison with X-ray Image on LCD].

PURPOSE: We have been using a paper-based hard copy print (paper print) system of X-ray images, in which digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) data can be directly output on papers from medical imaging systems or from a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) server, and they are utilized as patient referral materials or for preoperative planning. The purpose of this study was to compare the display performance of X-ray images on the printed paper and that on the liquid crystal display (LCD). METHODS: We measured contrast response to verify consistency of image appearance on both display systems. The contrast resolution was assessed by a CDRAD phantom. The spatial resolution was assessed by an X-ray test chart. RESULTS: The contrast response of the paper printer was not concordant with the grayscale standard display function (GSDF). The difference between the measured contrast response and the ideal GSDF on the paper was large in the high-density area. The low-contrast resolution on the paper was inferior to that on the LCD. The spatial resolving power on the paper was superior to that on the LCD. CONCLUSION: The display performance of the paper printer for X-ray images was clarified. X-ray images printed on the paper should be used carefully taking account of their characteristics of display performance.

Graphical Representation of Lipid Panel: A Simplified Time-Series Data Display.

High cholesterol is a risk factor for developing Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. Poorly designed health data displays cause an undue cognitive burden on clinicians. Simplified line graphs (i.e., sparklines) could support efficient cognitive processing and interpretation of lipid panel results. Clinical concepts for cognitive tasks assessing low-density lipoprotein laboratory results were analyzed according to their internal representations and data scale types. A sparkline external representation aligns more closely with the internal representations for mental tasks associated with identifying abnormalities and assessing trends compared to traditional tabular displays. By simplifying the health data display with sparklines, faster cognitive processing is theoretically supported.

Complexity of Data Displays in Prescription Drug Advertisements for Healthcare Providers.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare providers (HCPs) often encounter clinical trial results in the form of data displays in prescription drug promotions. Information conveyed in data displays vary in their presentation and complexity. This study describes characteristics of data displays in prescription drug advertising targeted to HCPs. METHODS: This study characterized the content of 140 data displays in 98 unique print advertisements from 2009 to present and identified in AdPharm, an online database of pharmaceutical advertisements. Two reviewers independently coded the advertisements for characteristics (κ = 0.85) including complexity, format, and quality. RESULTS: About one-third (32%) of the advertisements contained multiple data displays (range 2 to 6) and 44% showed clinical data from oncology trials; other disease domains were mental and behavioral health (14%), rheumatology and autoimmune disorders (8%), endocrinology (7%), cardiology (6%), infectious disease (6%), pulmonology and allergy (4%), and others (< 2% each). About one-half (51%) of displays were classified as "simple" which included "pseudographs" and basic tables or charts. "Complex" displays appeared as survival curves, line graphs, or bar graphs with complex features. Most complex displays included a comparator drug (90%), plain language restatement of the key finding (93%) and disclosure statements (91%) with additional study details, although their placement varied. Complex displays were of high quality, according to our selected indicators; our analysis found no data distortion or errors. CONCLUSION: Data displays in prescription drug advertising are often highly complex. Future research assessing understanding of data displays and the potentially beneficial effect of disclosures and other features is warranted.

Display Characterization for Contrast Sensitivity Testing.

SIGNIFICANCE: Contrast sensitivity measurements using a computer display have been reported to lack accuracy when displaying small contrasts. This report investigates if the characterization/calibration of display luminance may contribute substantively to these kinds of described inaccuracies. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate what errors in contrast sensitivity may result from characterizing a display by fitting a gamma curve through physical or psychophysical luminance measurement data. METHODS: The luminance functions of four different in-plane switching liquid crystal displays (IPS LCDs) have been measured for all 256 gray levels (the actual luminance function). This has been compared with a gamma-fitted luminance curve (the gamma luminance function). Calculated are the errors in displayed contrast that may arise when assuming the gamma luminance function instead of the actual luminance function. RESULTS: The amount of error differs considerably between the displays. In general, for large contrasts (Michelson log CS <1.2), the error is acceptable (<<0.15 log unit). However, for smaller contrasts (Michelson log CS >1.5), the error may become unacceptably high (>0.15 log unit). CONCLUSIONS: To improve the accuracy of testing contrast sensitivity with an LCD, it is necessary to fully characterize the display, measuring the luminance of each gray level instead of fitting a smooth gamma function through limited luminance data.

Examining Potential User Experience Trade-Offs Between Common Computer Display Configurations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how ultrawide (UW) and dual displays configurations can influence neck biomechanics and performance compared to a single display. BACKGROUND: Studies have assessed neck kinematics and performance when using dual displays, but these studies have used screen sizes smaller than today's display size, have inconsistent participant placement, and few have assessed these two variables together. METHODS: Seventeen participants completed five tasks on six display configurations. Neck kinematics and performance were tracked for each configuration. RESULTS: Centered configurations produced significantly different median neck rotation angles compared to secondary configurations (p < .001) for three of the tasks. A 34" curved UW display with a longer viewing distance produced similar neck kinematics to a single 24" display with the potential to also reduce screen interactions. When compared to single, the benefit of secondary versus centered monitors was dependent on the type of task being performed. Users may prefer the UW, centered dual, and secondary dual configurations over the single display. CONCLUSION: The benefit of secondary versus centered displays is dependent on the type of task being performed. Dual displays are still beneficial but should be used with a monitor arm to switch between centered and secondary configurations as necessary. Future work should look at larger UW displays to see if these results hold compared to dual display configurations. APPLICATION: The results can be used to make evidence-based guidelines for displays based on size and task. Researchers can use this information to design future studies looking at specific configurations.

Slope Identification and Decision Making: A Comparison of Linear and Ratio Graphs.

Applied behavior analysts have traditionally relied on visual analysis of graphic data displays to determine the extent of functional relations between variables and guide treatment implementation. The present study assessed the influence of graph type on behavior analysts' (n = 51) ratings of trend magnitude, treatment decisions based on changes in trend, and their confidence in decision making. Participants examined simulated data presented on linear graphs featuring equal-interval scales as well as graphs with ratio scales (i.e., multiply/divide or logarithmic vertical axis) and numeric indicators of celeration. Standard rules for interpreting trends using each display accompanied the assessment items. Results suggested participants maintained significantly higher levels of agreement on evaluations of trend magnitude and treatment decisions and reported higher levels of confidence in making decisions when using ratio graphs. Furthermore, decision making occurred most efficiently with ratio charts and a celeration value. The findings have implications for research and practice.

Development of liquid crystal displays and related improvements to their performances.

This review article comprises three contents: 1) a general introduction of liquid crystals (LCs) and their chronological developments until their current status, 2) the descriptions of the achievements of defect-free and optically high-quality LC displays (LCDs), and 3) the description of the new and alternative methods for improving existing LCD technologies in terms of high-speed response, viewing angles, and power consumption through nanoparticle doping and optical compensation on a laboratory level. When these technologies are successfully developed, they will be used in the industry, where the fabrication process will be performed in a large-clean room using automated robotics.