2024/11/22 by Tianyi Huang, Huang, Tianyi
Computer Science · #Artificial Intelligence (cs.AI) #FOS: Computer and information sciences #Human-Computer Interaction (cs.HC) #Mobile and Web Applications
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2412.06793
openalex publication_date 2024/11/22 · openalex created_date 2024/12/12 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Designing user-centric mobile applications is increasingly essential in educational technology. However, platforms like MIT App Inventor-one of the world's largest educational app development tools-face inherent limitations in supporting modern UI/UX design. This study introduces the Figma-Enhanced App Design (FEAD) Method, a structured framework that integrates Figma's advanced design tools into MIT App Inventor using an identify-design-implement workflow. Leveraging principles such as the 8-point grid system and Gestalt laws of perception, the FEAD Method empowers users to address design gaps, creating visually appealing, functional, and accessible applications. A comparative evaluation revealed that 61.2% of participants perceived FEAD-enhanced designs as on par with professional apps, compared to just 8.2% for baseline designs. These findings highlight the potential of bridging design with development platforms to enhance app creation, offering a scalable framework for students to master both functional and aesthetic design principles and excel in shaping the future of user-centric technology.