A study of User Interface Design principles and requirements for developing a Mobile learning prototype

This paper describes a study of User Interface Design (UID) principles and requirements by utilizing mobile device as an instrument for Mobile learning purpose. Thus, methods for designing and developing a learning prototype that are compatible with small screen interfaces and limited capabilities of mobile devices are planned to ensure the learners are able to grasp the concepts of a mobile learning prototype. We also highlight ARCS learning design strategy, which is appropriate for a mobile-based learning application. The mobile learning prototype was developed using Adobe Flash CSS for learning Dijkstra´s shortest path algorithm as a technical subject on a touch-screen iPhone 4, operated on iPhone Operating System (iOS). We present discussions on the UID principles and guidelines used for designing and developing the mobile-based learning prototype. Finally, a survey was conducted to evaluate the usability of this prototype among 20 Computer Science undergraduate students who had previously studied or are still taking the subject. The findings show that the learners perceived the mobile application as usable and the application has contained UI principles and requirements.