English

FEAD: Figma-Enhanced App Design Framework for Improving UI/UX in Educational App Development

Human-Computer Interaction 2024-12-11 v1 Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2412.06793,
  title  = {FEAD: Figma-Enhanced App Design Framework for Improving UI/UX in Educational App Development},
  author = {Tianyi Huang},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2412.06793},
  year   = {2024}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-28T20:28:21.471Z