The Hyperspectral Operational Support Tool (HOST) User Interface Evaluation: Preliminary Heuristic Analysis Results

Abstract : This document presents a preliminary heuristic evaluation of the Hyperspectral Operational Support Tool (HOST) v3.0a user interface, which was designed for hyperspectral imagery analysts. Results of the interface evaluation recommend two main problem areas to address: first, enforcing a more structured file and image management convention; and second, creating a tighter mapping between objects in the control window and visualization window. A solution would be to utilize a layered image file or project file to address these problems, although either of these solutions may require developers to move away from the Environment for Visualizing Images (ENVI) platform upon which the HOST is currently based. The design of the user interface could benefit from additional independent evaluations, a large scale usability test and a formal task analysis with Subject Matter Experts.