Tangible Chromatin: Tangible and Multi-surface Interactions for Exploring Datasets from High-Content Microscopy Experiments

Abstract

In biology, microscopy data from thousands of individual cellular events presents challenges for analysis and problem solving. These include a lack of visual analysis tools to complement algorithmic approaches for tracking important but rare cellular events, and a lack of support for collaborative exploration and interpretation. In response to these challenges, we have designed and implemented Tangible Chromatin, a tangible and multi-surface system that promotes novel analysis of complex data generated from high-content microscopy experiments. The system facilitates three specific approaches to analysis: it (1) visualizes the detailed information and results from the image processing algorithms, (2) provides interactive approaches for browsing, selecting, and comparing individual data elements, and (3) expands options for productive collaboration through both independent and joint work. We present three main contributions: (i) design requirements that derive from the analytical goals of DNA replication biology, (ii) tangible and multi-surface interaction techniques to support the exploration and analysis of datasets from high-content microscopy experiments, and (iii) the results of a user study that investigated how the system supports individual and collaborative data analysis and interpretation tasks.