Nursing Students’ Perception on User-Centred Design in Developing Smartphone Applications for Self-Directed Learning of Clinical Skills

Abstract

The integration of mobile technology in education has opened opportunities for enhancing self-directed learning (SDL), particularly in nursing education, where clinical skill acquisition poses significant challenges. This study explores nursing students’ perceptions of smartphone applications incorporating user-centred design (UCD) principles to support self-directed learning (SDL) of clinical skills. Sixteen undergraduate nursing students from a public university in Malaysia participated in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis identified key subthemes: perceived convenience, mobility, content quality, ease of use, learnability, and organized interfaces. These UCD elements enhanced learning performance, improved usability, and supported integration into students’ routines. The findings highlight the potential of UCD-driven applications to bridge the theory-practice gap, foster SDL, and enhance clinical education.