User-centric design for a conceptual web application: A survey of user expectations and needs of PAG-ASA NEUST Inc. members

Designing digital platforms that prioritize user needs, preferences, and behaviors is essential for creating effective, engaging, and sustainable web applications. At the core of this approach is User-Centric Design (UCD), a methodology that emphasizes the development of interfaces that are intuitive, functional, and tailored to the actual experiences of end-users. UCD ensures that digital systems are not only technically sound but also accessible and meaningful to their intended audience. This study focused on applying the principles of UCD to assess the expectations and needs of members of the Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Alumni ng NEUST Inc. (PAG-ASA NEUST). The goal was to inform the design of a conceptual user-centric web application that could serve as a digital hub for the organization's members. Employing a quantitative descriptive research design, the study examined key variables including general acceptance, perceived features, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and intention to use the proposed application. A validated, self-constructed survey instrument was distributed to 52 randomly selected members of PAG-ASA NEUST, ensuring ethical research standards were strictly followed throughout the process. The findings indicated a high level of support and enthusiasm for the conceptual web application. Respondents positively evaluated the proposed features, with particularly high scores for ease of use—a core element of UCD that directly impacts user adoption and satisfaction. The results underscore the need to prioritize intuitive navigation and interactive features that promote community engagement and sustained use. In light of these findings, it is recommended that PAG-ASA NEUST Inc. proceed with the development of the web platform. Special attention should be given to designing features that enhance user interaction, foster a sense of community, and support continuous improvement through regular feedback mechanisms to maintain relevance over time.