Evaluating the benefits and user experience of a customized java library for mobile applications menu systems
Date
2014
Authors
Maina, Joseph Mwangi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Despite rapid growth of mobile solutions, their novelty has meant relatively little is known
about the user's experience and costs associated in developing custom mobile applications
in today's market. The main problem this dissertation aimed to address is lack of custom
made menu system for mobile applications in the current market which has contributed to
the existence of mobile applications without good user experiences. Developers rely on
current software development kits that allow creation of menu system statically which
don't offer user personalization, its complex and inefficient for developers to create custom
menus with current java libraries provided.
The literature revealed that there are successful Java Libraries developed for improving user
experience. but none has been done to improve user experience for mobile applications
menu systems. This study sought to: (1) develop a customized Java library for mobile
applications menu systems; (2) evaluate mobile user's experience on the customized
library for mobile applications menu systems; and (3) determine the benefits and cost
trade offs involved in providing customized library for mobile applications menu systems.
One of the key contributions of this study is the improvement of user experience for
emerging mobile applications using a customized library for menu systems which will
allow the creation of mobile solutions with rich user experience as well as forming a basis
on which other future studies could be developed. Another contribution is the provision of
a java library that adds value to mobile applications community by allowing the
development and implementation of customized mobile solutions. This study involved
gathering data in Nairobi County only
The initial findings reveal that customized menu application (Interface A) scored a higher
mean compared to a mobile application which was not customized (Interface B) in menus
of user's perception. It was evidenced that the overall user experience was likely to be
satisfactory using customized menu application (Interface A) than using non-customized
menu application (Interface B). Findings revealed that customized menu application was
set up and launched in a simple manner at relatively low cost and effort.
In addition, it was found out that the application can be successfully downloaded and
executed on the device. The results show that the benefits outweighed the cost associated while providing a customized library. This study recommends that developers should make
use of device emulators in mobile applications testing since they are easy to obtain and
efficient in testing. In addition, a customized Java library for creating mobile applications
custom menus is recommended and developed.
Description
A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment for the requirements of Master of Science Degree in Mobile Telecommunications and Innovation (MSc. MTI)
Keywords
Customized java library, Programming, Mobile application, Mobile, Software