Using prototyping in authentic learning of human-centred design of mobile apps

Abstract

Recent advances in mobile technology have seen a sharp increase in the number of mobile applications across various application domains. The challenge remains that many software development teams may lack appropriate competences to design usable and human-centred interactive systems. This can negatively affect the usability and the user experience. In this article, we present how to learn the human-centred design process using an authentic learning approach. Students need to investigate, discuss, construct new knowledge and apply theoretical concepts to address real world problems. The main purpose of authentic learning as a pedagogical approach is to position the subject of study into a realistic context. That gives life to learning content from a theoretical, abstract level into a more professional, real-world context. Our study considers a post-graduate level course. The learning experience includes flipped classroom and problem based learning through a design project. Learners define a real-world problem to be addressed by a design solution. One of the intended learning outcomes is the learner’s ability to use prototyping techniques for mastering HCD process. Learners use prototyping tools in the same way as professionals in the field. At the end of the course, students demonstrated mastery of key methods and techniques as well as the psychology foundations, and tools used in interaction design. Summative assessment results confirmed that authentic learning approach leads to deep learning of key concepts and development of a skills set necessary for designing usable interactive systems for human use.