PhyloPen: Phylogenetic Tree Browsing Using a Pen and Touch Interface

Conclusions Our objective is to develop an interactive phylogenetic tree-browsing user interface for experts that is more dynamic and ideally more natural than commonly used browsers, ultimately allowing the user to navigate, annotate, and change the tree structure with ease. In this work-in-progress, we tested an experimental pen- and touch-based interactive browser we developed called PhyloPen. Our preliminary formative evaluations show positive results, demonstrating some usefulness of pen and touch interfaces for phylogenetic trees. However, additional work based on our formative evaluations, including the revision of existing features and the addition of new ones (e.g., cut and reattachment for clades), and a thorough summative evaluation will be needed to draw more definitive conclusions. In support of this quest, we invite the biological community to work alongside us in reaching that goal, giving their opinions and shaping what PhyloPen ultimately should be. Competing Interests The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
Source: PLOS Currents Tree of Life - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Source Type: research