Ten simple rules for creating a scientific web application

Authors

Jessica L. Burnett, Core Science Systems Science Analytics and Synthesis
Renee Dale, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Chung-Yi Hou, Apogee Engineering
Gabriela Palomo-Muoz, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Kaitlin Stack Whitney, Rochester Institute of Technology
Steve Aulenbach, Core Science Systems Science Analytics and Synthesis
Robert Sky Bristol, Core Science Systems Science Analytics and Synthesis
Denis Valle, University of Florida
Tristan P. Wellman, Core Science Systems Science Analytics and Synthesis

ORCID IDs

Jessica L. Burnett

Renee Dale

Chung-Yi Hou

Gabriela Palomo-Munoz

Kaitlin Stack Whitney

Steve Aulenbach

Robert Sky Bristol

Denis Valle

Tristan P. Wellman

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

12-9-2021

Citation

Burnett JL, Dale R, Hou C-Y, Palomo-Munoz G, Whitney KS, Aulenbach S, et al. (2021) Ten simple rules for creating a scientific web application. PLoS Comput Biol 17(12): e1009574. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009574

Comments

OPEN ACCESS

Abstract

The use of scientific web applications (SWApps) across biological and environmental sciences has grown exponentially over the past decades or so. Although quantitative evidence for such increased use in practice is scant, collectively, we have observed that these tools become more commonplace in teaching, outreach, and in science coproduction (e.g., as decision support tools). Despite the increased popularity of SWApps, researchers often receive little or no training in creating such tools. Although rolling out SWApps can be a relatively simple and quick process using modern, popular platforms like R shiny apps or Tableau dashboards, making them useful, usable, and sustainable is not. These 10 simple rules for creating a SWApp provide a foundation upon which researchers with little to no experience in web application design and development can consider, plan, and carry out SWApp projects.