Analysis of the design and usability characteristics of mobile applications preferred by students: perspectives from the unidad educativa González Suárez

This study examined the design and usability preferences in mobile applications among adolescent students at the González Suárez Educational Unit in the city of Ambato. The research focused on identifying the features most valued by students in the context of mobile applications. A survey was conducted with 242 upper elementary and high school students, evaluating ten design and usability features using a 5-point Likert scale. The results revealed a strong preference for intuitive interfaces, fast loading times, and ease of navigation. Personalization of appearance and compatibility with different devices were also highly valued. Offline functionality was considered important, reflecting local connectivity realities. Opinions on integration with social networks and the inclusion of tutorials were more divided. The study concluded that the design of educational mobile applications for Ecuadorian adolescents should prioritize efficiency, customization, and adaptability to different conditions of use. These findings provide a solid foundation for the development of more effective and engaging applications for adolescent students in the Ecuadorian context