Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)
Designing To Build A Stronger Community: Graphical User Interface Design Influence on Social Connectedness Among College Students
Publication Date
Spring 3-2023
College
Watkins College of Art
Department
Art, Department of
BURS Faculty Advisor
Dr. Emmanuel Saka
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Designing To Build A Stronger Community: Graphical User Interface Design Influence on Social Connectedness Among College Students
Madison Novak, Asher Hunt, Jackson C. Coleman Faculty Advisor: Emmanuel K. Saka, Ph.D., MFA
This study aims to determine how a user-centered design approach through usability testing influences the Graphical User Interface design of an app/website for use among college students to attain a meaningful social connectedness experience through in-person interactions. Technology is becoming increasingly accepted within all facets of modern-day life, with social connectedness being one of life’s most affected areas. Like other technology users, college students have widely accepted the current forms of digital connection to find social connectedness. While students appreciate the benefits it offers to maintain long-distance relationships, current technology platforms lack the ability to build face-to-face connections and instead focus on building connections through the screen. The findings from the needs analysis suggest that there is a potential for a new technology system that facilitates in-person engagement instead of an online presence among college students. The Technology Acceptance Model, through human research and design iterations from a Human-Computer Interaction perspective, was used to create a high-fidelity interactive prototype to help facilitate a positive user experience among college students toward attaining a more meaningful social connectedness.
Recommended Citation
Novak, Madison; Hunt, Asher; and Coleman, Jackson, "Designing To Build A Stronger Community: Graphical User Interface Design Influence on Social Connectedness Among College Students" (2023). Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS). 345.
https://repository.belmont.edu/burs/345