It’s So Shiny!

• RStudio package to write interactive web applets in R
  
  
• Extremely simple to set up applets that can be used for data collection
  
  
• Paired with other packages (gridSVG, animint, ggvis), could be used to allow direct interaction with graphs
  
  
• User interactions can be recorded to a database for analysis

Using Shiny to Get Data

Using Shiny to Get Data

• Users can adjust the graphic until it looks “right”
  
  
• Time stamps are collected along with graph parameters, window resolution, etc.
  
  
• Additional javascript extensions provide user data (IP Address and corresponding geolocation) and a “fingerprint” composed of browser characteristics, screen resolution, etc. hashed for user privacy
  
  
• Backend: MySQL database; each user interaction results in a new entry

Advantages of Web Applets for Useability Studies

• Wider population for testing (the entire internet vs. undergraduates)
  
  
• Easier scheduling
  
  
• Data is available faster (users do the data entry themselves)
  
  
• Services like Amazon Turk make it easier to get reliable users

Disadvantages

• Users may not be statistically literate or familiar with statistical graphics
  
  
• Verification questions (or other data controls) are essential to ensure participants are taking the task seriously
  
  
• Some users have multiple accounts, others are malicious
  
  
• Studies are vulnerable to network issues or software bugs
  
  
• Greater variability in computer hardware may cause unpredictable bugs (differences in screen resolution, Mac vs. PC, Internet Explorer vs. Chrome/Firefox)