A comparative usability assessment of computer input devices for navigating digital whole slide images

Labs worldwide are increasingly adopting digital pathology due to its ability to facilitate electronic slide distribution and sharing, integration with artificial intelligence tools, and the various workflow improvements enabled by a digital interface. The availability of efficient controls for navigating whole slide images is an important aspect of successful implementation. In this usability study of controller devices, we configured our whole slide image viewer to support navigation using 10 different methodologies, including standard click-and-drag mouse movement, keyboard panning, videogame controllers, and more. Thirty-eight practicing pathologists and trainees volunteered to use these devices and provide feedback. The videogame console gamepad, SpaceMouse Pro, and large trackball emerged as the most preferred devices. After testing each device, 63% of participants indicated that they would need an alternative to standard mouse click-and-drag for effective and efficient case sign-out. These results highlight non-traditional image navigation devices as valuable options in digital pathology implementation and suggest an opportunity for image management systems to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace.