An In-depth Assessment of Culturally Appropriate Design for a University Mobile Learning Educational Website (MLearn): A Malaysian University Context

Abstract

The growing popularity of mobile devices, together with the constant technological improvement of mobile websites and applications. However, the particularities of mobile devices require special attention in respect of the usability aspects, such as culture. Therefore, this study evaluated the general usability and cultural aspects in terms of mobile learning for a mobile web system. The research methodology used was focus group discussions with undergraduate students. This research captured the experiences of students in using the MLearn website of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia. This study also identified some usability challenges and suggestions for improvement, particularly in terms of culturally appropriate design principles for a local university context for a mobile website. This study affirmed that general usability and cultural principles in design are important for a usable mobile learning website system in a local university context.