Biosimulator for Usability Evaluation

Early detection is essential in improving breast cancer outcomes, yet current screening methods can be inaccessible or intimidating. This project explores how biosimulation can support the design of a Nipple Aspirate Fluid (NAF) Self-Collection Kit (SCK), a non-invasive alternative to traditional mammography.

The study investigates whether biosimulators can enable early-stage usability evaluation without the ethical and logistical constraints of on-human testing. A comparative study using the biosimulator and cognitive walkthroughs was conducted with participants at elevated risk of breast cancer. The biosimulator integrated sensors, an RFID system, and real-time visual feedback to realistically simulate the SCK procedure.

Results demonstrated the biosimulator’s ability to reveal usability issues and guide design improvements. Participants valued its realism and safety, highlighting its potential to streamline iterative design in sensitive healthcare contexts.

This work shows how simulation-based approaches can ethically and effectively support early-stage usability evaluation in sensitive healthcare contexts. Beyond informing this specific intervention, it contributes to the development of a novel design methodology. This strongly aligns with my professional identity, vision, and the focus of my upcoming PhD on AI-empowered physical-digital twins that support the design of bio-digital devices. The project integrates US through its emphasis on sensitive user contexts and user testing, CA in the biosimulator’s form and interaction design, MDC via sensor integration and data analysis, and TR through the prototyping of the biosimulator.