Designing GPS: A User Engagement Module for Mobile Software Applications

In a collaboration between Rexuniversal S.L. in Marbella (Spain) and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, we have designed a mobile application module called GPS that enhances user engagement by benefiting from gamification, personalization, and social networking. The module also considers other user engagement elements, such as interactivity, design quality, privacy, content quality, and utility. It also provides a personalization algorithm that adapts to user preferences. This paper presents the proposed module fundamentals and its design and prototyping process. We have also elaborated on how academic and industrial evaluation was used to evaluate the prototype design using key design and prototyping aspects of usability, aesthetics, functionality, satisfaction, and engagement. The initial findings of the evaluation of the GPS module showed strengths in visual design and engagement but indicated areas for improvement in navigation, consistency, and information presentation. An industrial evaluation with expert feedback confirmed the module's potential and provided actionable insights for refinement. Software designers can benefit from the insights of this study for engineering and designing engaging mobile applications.