The rapid growth of mobile apps has transformed daily life, and user experience (UX) has emerged as a critical factor in meeting users' expectations. However, the existing literature on mobile application UX (MAUX) lacks a comprehensive understanding of key parameters, such as user acceptance, usability, user requirements, feedback, context, and emerging technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality interactions, and artificial intelligence. To address this gap, this study analyzed 205 documents on MAUX published between 2015 and 2023 from the Web of Science.

Understanding User Experience

The concept of UX was first introduced by Donald Norman, and its definition has since evolved. ISO 9241-210 defines UX as the sum of users' perceptions and reactions resulting from their interaction with a product, system, or service they use or expect to use. Garret proposed a user-centered design (UCD) model for the web, emphasizing various design elements, while Harrison et al. developed the PACMAD (People At the Centre of Mobile Application Development) model, identifying three key dimensions that affect the usability of mobile applications: user, task, and context of use.

Scenarios, Themes, Features, and Methodologies

As UX research expands beyond HCI into diverse fields such as computer science, health, marketing, education, and design, the scope of mobile app scenarios has likewise broadened. Health, learning, and shopping dominate app scenarios with a strong emphasis on personalized UX for diverse populations. Research themes have expanded from usability attributes and user acceptance models to user-centered design processes, exploring how these themes can be fully integrated into MAUX.

Critical Design Features

Interface elements, interaction styles, and performance enhancements are critical design features that influence MAUX across various scenarios. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods are employed flexibly to advance MAUX. Additionally, the integration of complex algorithms has enhanced MAUX's theoretical framework and methodological approaches.

Conclusion

This study underscores the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to MAUX that considers design, computer science, health, psychology, and other dimensions. It also contributes to a better understanding of the evolving field of MAUX, offering practical insights for researchers, designers, and developers interested in creating more accessible and user-friendly applications (apps) in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Highlights

  • Proposes the STFM integrating Scenarios, Themes, Features, and Methodologies for multi-dimensional MAUX analysis.
  • Identifies health, learning, shopping as dominant app scenarios; highlights personalized UX and user-centered design expansion.
  • Reveals critical design features and complex algorithms enhancing MAUX methodologies across disciplines.