User interface design guidelines for children mobile learning applications

Abstract

Mobile learning applications have created new learning opportunities which lead to the transition from traditional learning to modern learning, thus enhancing individuals’ learning experiences. Mobile learning applications that come with good and effective user interface allow users to be aware and mindful about the subject matter. This enables users to fully optimise the applications for learning purposes. In order to develop an effective mobile learning application, the user interface should take into account the requirements of its users for mobile learning. Children in particular are immature learners and mobile users, whose characteristics and insights are not quite the same as the adults. To date, there are design guidelines for mobile learning applications, however they are not specifically intended for children. In fact, the existing design guidelines are mostly targeted for desktop applications which are not suitable for mobile learning applications. Therefore, this study aimed to address this concern by identifying the design elements that are required for creating user interface of mobile learning applications for children. This study adopted the qualitative approach that comprises three main activities; Theoretical Study, Prototype Development and Expert Evaluation. The data were analysed using content analysis method. The guideline consists of eight design elements with their respective essential characteristics. The elements are Navigation, Text, Image and Icon, Audio, Content, Colour, Input/Output Support, and Feedback. The guideline could be used by designers to design an effective user interface for mobile learning applications specifically for children.