Usability Evaluation of FAIR Data Planning in the Data Stewardship Wizard

Abstract

This study employs a Cognitive Walkthrough–oriented usability evaluation to examine how the Data Stewardship Wizard (DSW) supports the creation of FAIR-compliant data management plans. Although the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) provide a widely accepted foundation for responsible data handling, their practical adoption often reveals cognitive and interaction-related challenges for users. Through a qualitative assessment, paired participants performed representative DSW tasks—project creation, questionnaire completion, model migration, and output generation. The walkthrough analysis highlighted several usability obstacles, including unclear navigation cues, limited progress feedback, and ambiguous system responses, all of which affected users’ orientation and comprehension of the tool’s structure.Insights from the evaluation informed targeted interface adjustments that improved clarity, workflow predictability, and collaboration transparency. These refinements reduced cognitive load and enhanced the overall intuitiveness of the system, contributing to broader acceptance among the DSW user community. The study underscores that usability evaluation is integral to the effective implementation of FAIR principles. By integrating cognitive analysis with data stewardship workflows, the work demonstrates how user-centred design can strengthen the practical application of FAIR guidelines and support more efficient and consistent data management planning.

Keywords: FAIR data principles, Usability, Data Stewardship Wizard, Digital preservation, Data management, Data visualization, Interoperability

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007063