Use of Time-based Visual Metaphors in Pregnancy PHR Interface Design

Laura Sheble
School of Information & Library Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Sanghee Oh
School of Information & Library Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Songphan Choemprayong
School of Information & Library Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Gary Marchionini
School of Information & Library Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Topic: Usability and human factors on the web
Track: Research
Type: Oral presentation

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     Last modified: July 4, 2006
     Presentation date: 10/16/2006 4:30 PM in RYH Tudor 8
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Abstract
Background: To date, personal health record (PHR) systems that address the needs of pregnant women and the development of visual metaphors for organization, presentation, and access to personal health data and information have received relatively little attention [1,2]. We explore use of two time-based visual metaphors-calendar and timeline-for the presentation and organization of personal health information and data. The interface designs incorporate calendar and timeline metaphors across five topical facets for information presentation and organization.

Objective: This project was intended to (1) understand information needs and uses of pregnant women and their families, (2) explore use of visual time-based metaphors and faceted organization and classification systems for the presentation of personal health information and (3) develop time-based interfaces for PHR systems in support of the information needs and uses of pregnant women and their families.

Methods: Review and analysis of temporal organization of (1) popular pregnancy guides and (2) interfaces of PHR systems currently available on the market directed at families and general audiences was performed. Review of a paper-based pregnancy record form set, a pregnancy organizer, and literature examining information-seeking and health record use as related to maternal care and pregnancy was taken into consideration when designing the interfaces. Temporal visual metaphors were reviewed with respect to time-based factors of pregnancy and pregnancy records. Information derived from these resources was applied to the development of three experimental PHR pregnancy system interface design prototypes.

Results: Based on our research, we designed three pregnancy PHR system interfaces using two time-based visual metaphors-calendars and timelines. Information contained within the system is organized by these metaphors and according to a five-faceted classification scheme: (1) Appointment, (2) Diary, (3) Health Data, (4) Finance, and (5) Resources.

Conclusions: Visual metaphors, based on time or other factors, are a potentially rich design resource for the development of PHR system interfaces. Exploration and application of visual metaphors in information design has the potential to develop more ‘individual’ PHRs that appeal to potential user groups. Interface design specifications for PregHeR, the hypothetical PHR system presented here, were developed by the application of the Agile Views interface design framework [3]and the application of Piccolo Fisheye viewing techniques [4] to enhance user access to information. Our research could be supplemented by experimental assessment of user needs and uses of PHR systems.

References:
[1] Homer CS, Davis GK, Everitt LS. The introduction of a women-held record into a hospital antenatal clinic: The bring your own records study. Aust NZ Obstetrics and Gynecology. 39:54-57, 1999.
[2] Rowe RE, Garcia J, Macfarlane AJ, Davidson LL. Improving communication between professionals and women in maternity care: a structured review. Health Expectations. 5(1): 63-83, 2002.
[3] Marchionini G, Geisler G, Brunk B. Agileviews: A Human-Centered Framework for Interfaces to Information Spaces. Proceedings of the ASIS 2000 Annual Meeting; 2000 November 11-16; Chicago, IL.
[4] Human-Computer Interaction Lab. University of Maryland. Piccolo [Online]. 2004 [Cite 2004 Dec 23]. Available from http://www.cs.umd.edu/hcil/piccolo/play/applet/fisheyecalendar.shtml