Can Videogame Players Inform Better Scientific Visualization?

This research explores how principles of videogame design can enhance the usability and interface of complex scientific visualization tools, specifically focusing on the bioinformatics platform Aquaria. By leveraging the expertise of videogame designers and developers, the study aims to bridge the gap between intuitive gaming interfaces and the often-specialized, non-intuitive nature of scientific software. The primary objective is to identify design strategies that make complex protein structure data more accessible to a broader molecular biology community.

The methodology involved three design workshops conducted in Australia, featuring six participants with professional backgrounds in videogame design, development, and player experience research. Facilitators, including experts in human-computer interaction, guided participants through demonstrations of the Aquaria interface. These sessions were recorded and analyzed to extract recurring themes, with facilitators acting as semi-informed participants to encourage collaborative ideation.

Key findings highlight several areas where game-inspired design could improve scientific visualization. Participants identified the need for more intuitive orientation and movement controls, suggesting the implementation of a ViewCube-style navigation tool to assist users in 3D space. Other significant recommendations included the integration of social and collaborative features—such as shared viewing sessions or note-leaving systems—to foster community engagement. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the value of introducing playfulness and structured onboarding processes to help users learn complex systems more effectively. The research concludes that videogame expertise provides valuable, actionable insights for non-game interface design, confirming that iterative, cross-disciplinary workshops are an effective methodology for improving specialized digital tools.