Improving Perception of Usability Through User Interface Design Patterns to Optimize Information Architecture for Cognitive Benefits and User Satisfaction in Massive Open Online Courses

This study explores the impact of user interface design patterns on usability, cognitive load, and user satisfaction for Massive Open Online Courses using small-screen devices. An empirical approach was adopted, involving 232 university students who voluntarily participated in the experiment. Prototypes of three well-known Massive Open Online Courses platforms (i.e., Coursera, Udemy, and edX) were developed to assess how various user interface design patterns influence user experience. The findings revealed that the aesthetic design of Coursera, including color scheme, content organization, was perceived as the most visually appealing, while Udemy received higher ratings for its typography, i.e, font size, type, and button shape. Coursera also outperformed the other platforms in terms of navigation (e.g., tab navigation, hamburger menu, drop-down, floating action button, listview), customization features (e.g., search filters, font, and background settings), and feedback mechanisms (e.g., toast messages, error alerts, progress indicators, confirmation prompts, and system status updates). Overall, participants reported higher satisfaction with Coursera, and its interface was associated with a lower cognitive load compared to Udemy and edX. These results underscore the importance of thoughtful user interface design in enhancing usability and reducing cognitive effort in mobile learning applications.