Enhancing Mobile User Experience through Project-Based Learning in Software Engineering Education

Core Concepts

Project-based learning in mobile application development courses can effectively enhance students' understanding of user experience and requirements engineering in real-world scenarios.

Abstract

The paper presents an overview of mobile application projects conducted at RMIT University as part of the Learning and Teaching activities within Bachelor and Master programs, in collaboration with industrial partners. It discusses the lessons learned over eight years of teaching the corresponding courses and compares the results of the student projects to trends summarized in recently published approaches from other universities and countries.
The key highlights include:

Project-based learning offers numerous benefits to students, especially when the projects are derived from industry or mirror genuine industrial challenges. This allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.

The paper discusses two examples of student projects focused on mobile app development: the "Deck Logger App" for Australian fishers and the "Mobile Meter Reading for Non-Smart Meters" app for utility customers.

The projects highlight the importance of understanding user needs and cultural influences on mobile user experience, which can vary significantly across different user groups and regions.

Lessons learned emphasize the challenges students face in comprehending the evolving nature of requirements, especially those related to user experience, and the need for regular mentoring and Agile coaching to help students adapt.

The paper concludes that the best way to master requirements engineering and user experience aspects is to conduct real projects with industrial partners within a capstone course, building on the prerequisite software engineering knowledge.

Stats

"To develop sustainable application that fulfils users' needs, it is crucial to understand the whole range of user experiences and expectations."
"Real-world problems serve as the catalyst and central point for student engagement, which was confirmed by numerous studies from many areas of software and system development."
"Collaborative active learning allows students to explore how the theories learned in the class apply in real-world context."

Quotes

"Even when a developer follows general guidelines and best practices, e.g., the human interface guidelines specified by Apple or the design guidelines specified by Android, the needs of target user group should be analysed in addition."
"Having theoretical knowledge on the importance of these aspects isn't as effective as learning from real-life scenarios."
"It is only once they engage in an actual project with a real industrial partner that they come to acknowledge the possibility of evolution/refinement of many elements throughout the course of the project: from functional and non-functional requirements to system architecture or user interface."

Key Insights Distilled From

Mobile user experience from the lens of project-based learning

by Maria Spichk... at arxiv.org 04-04-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.02470.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can project-based learning in mobile app development be further enhanced to better prepare students for the evolving user experience requirements in the industry?

Project-based learning in mobile app development can be enhanced by incorporating the following strategies:

Industry Collaboration: Partnering with industry experts can provide real-world insights into user experience requirements and trends, helping students align their projects with industry standards.
Agile Methodologies: Introducing Agile methodologies like Scrum can help students adapt to changing user requirements and iterate on their designs based on feedback, mirroring industry practices.
User-Centered Design: Emphasizing user-centered design principles can help students focus on understanding user needs, behaviors, and motivations, ensuring their apps meet user expectations.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between students from different disciplines (e.g., design, development, marketing) can simulate the multidisciplinary approach often required in industry projects.
Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing regular feedback sessions with industry mentors or potential users can help students refine their designs based on real-world input, enhancing the user experience of their apps.

How can the research activities related to the student projects be better integrated to provide a more comprehensive learning experience?

Integrating research activities into student projects can enhance the learning experience by:

Extending Project Scope: Allowing students to conduct research on emerging technologies, user behaviors, or industry trends related to their projects can deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborating with industry partners for research projects can provide students with access to real-world data and challenges, making their research more relevant and impactful.
Publication Opportunities: Encouraging students to publish their research findings in conferences or journals can motivate them to conduct high-quality research and contribute to the academic community.
Mentorship: Providing guidance from faculty or industry experts on research methodologies, data analysis, and interpretation can help students navigate the research process effectively.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Encouraging students to explore research topics beyond their immediate project scope can foster a holistic understanding of the industry landscape and emerging trends.

What are the potential challenges in scaling up project-based learning approaches in mobile app development courses with large student cohorts?

Scaling up project-based learning in mobile app development courses with large student cohorts may face the following challenges:

Resource Constraints: Limited availability of mentors, industry partners, and technical resources can hinder individualized support for a large number of students.
Coordination: Managing multiple project teams, ensuring consistent feedback, and monitoring progress can become complex with a large cohort, requiring efficient coordination.
Diversity of Skills: Large cohorts may consist of students with varying levels of expertise, making it challenging to tailor projects to meet the diverse skill sets and learning needs.
Assessment: Ensuring fair and timely assessment of a large number of project submissions can be demanding, especially when providing detailed feedback for each student.
Engagement: Maintaining high levels of student engagement and participation in project-based learning activities can be more challenging in large cohorts, requiring innovative strategies to keep students motivated.