Building User-Centered Science Gateways Through User Imagination: Lessons from KnowCOVID-19

Science gateways are digital platforms that offer streamlined access to computational tools and data through intuitive user interfaces. While many have demonstrated technical success, achieving broad user adoption remains a challenge. Recent research highlights the growing importance of user-centered design in improving the usability and impact of these gateways. One critical yet often overlooked element of this approach is user imagination—the ability of users to envision features and functions that address their unique needs. This paper explores how user imagination influenced the development of the KnowCOVID-19 Science Gateway, a platform created to support medical professionals in navigating the vast body of COVID-19 research. Through interviews with ten medical professionals, the study illustrates how user insights shaped key design features, such as evidence-based filtering and chatbot support. The findings offer practical guidance for developers seeking to incorporate user imagination into the design process, emphasizing its essential role in building user-focused and widely adopted science gateways.