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    Designing the UI/UX of a Gamified Platform to Raise Awareness About Water Conservation Using the User-Centered Design Method
    (Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026) ; ; ;
    Sanchez-Gordon, Sandra
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    Acosta-Vargas, Patricia
    Water conservation and responsible usage are critical to ensuring the sustainability of life on Earth. Raising awareness about these practices is essential to fostering behavioral changes in everyday life. This study aimed to design a gamified environment, integrating both digital and physical mediums, to promote awareness of water conservation. The proposed solutions included digital games, board games, interactive maps, and card games, blending entertainment with education. The research employed the Game Thinking methodology, involving ten master’s students specializing in user experience design. The process adhered to the principles of user-centered design across all phases. Initially, the problem of water scarcity was explained to participants, who subsequently proposed design concepts tailored to this issue. These concepts were developed into prototypes and tested with users representative of the intended age groups. Preliminary results from the first usability tests revealed areas for improvement. Feedback from peer reviews highlighted the need to enhance narrative elements, interface design, usability, and accessibility. Iterative refinements based on this feedback significantly improved the prototypes’ alignment with the project’s educational objectives. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the potential of gamification as a powerful tool for promoting water conservation awareness. Future work will focus on completing functional prototypes and evaluating their impact in real-world settings to measure their effectiveness in instilling responsible water usage behaviors
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    The hierarchical scaffolding model of executive functioning in university students: a self-reported explanatory approach
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2026-07-29)
    Díaz-Guerra, Diego D.
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    Hernández-Lugo, Marena de la C.
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    Broche-Pérez, Yunier
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    Introduction Executive functions are cognitive processes that are fundamental to academic success among university students. However, most explanatory models have been developed using laboratory-based tasks, which limits their ecological validity. Self-report measures offer a complementary approach by capturing perceived executive functioning in real academic contexts. Objective To construct and validate an explanatory model of executive functioning in Cuban university student Methods A cross-sectional sample of 1,233 students was analyzed (mean age = 20.08 years, SD = ±1.02; 59.3% women). The Cuban adaptation of the UEF-1 was administered. Analyses combined decision trees using the CHAID method to identify predictors and structural equation modeling (SEM) to confirm the relationships among variables and construct a unified model. Results The final model showed satisfactory fit (CFI = 0.915, RMSEA = 0.048, SRMR = 0.045). Executive functions were organized into four hierarchical levels: (1) Metacognitive Evaluation and Supervision, comprising Conscious Monitoring of Responsibilities and Behavioral Verification for Learning; (2) Emotional and Behavioral Regulation, comprising Conscious Regulation of Emotions and Conscious Regulation of Behavior; (3) the Operational Attentional System; and (4) Goal-Directed Action and Task Resolution, comprising Decision-Making and Management of Elements to Solve Tasks. Conclusion The proposed model constitutes the first unified explanatory framework of executive functioning in Cuban university students, specifically as assessed through self-report measures. Its four-level hierarchical structure provides an empirically grounded guide for future research and interventions, capturing the subjective dimension of executive performance as a complementary and ecologically relevant level of analysis closely tied to academic adaptation and self-regulation.
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    Interdisciplinary Perspectives on FinTech and Blockchain in Cryptocurrency Platforms: A Systematic Literature Review on Accessibility, Usability, and Digital Inclusion
    (Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026) ;
    Luis-Chinchilla, Jose
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    Calle-Jimenez, Tania
    According to recent studies, the application of agile methodologies in the development of cryptocurrency platforms can increase efficiency in improving accessibility and usability in digital financial systems by up to 35%. This study conducts a systematic literature review on the integration of FinTech and blockchain technologies, with a particular focus on accessibility and usability in digital platforms. Based on the PRISMA 2020 framework, indexed publications from the Scopus database published between 2021 and 2025 were analyzed. The results reveal a sustained growth in scientific output, especially during the period 2023–2025, with a notable concentration of publications from countries such as Malaysia, Spain, and Ukraine. The main contributing fields include business, computer science, and economics, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the topic. Furthermore, the findings highlight the role of FinTech and blockchain in modernizing financial services, improving transactional efficiency, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to environmental sustainability and digital inclusion. Finally, the study recommends expanding future research to include multiple databases and additional keywords in order to generalize the findings and deepen the understanding of the impact of these emerging technologies. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
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    Towards Accessible and Sustainable Universities: Web Accessibility and Human–Computer Interaction in Latin America
    (Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026)
    Acosta-Vargas, Patricia
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    Acosta-Vargas, Gloria
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    Salvador-Acosta, Belén
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    Salvador-Ullauri, Luis
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    This study examines web accessibility in Latin American higher education institutions from a Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) perspective, highlighting its relevance to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). A quantitative and descriptive research design was applied to 50 universities included in the 2025 Webometrics Ranking, using automated HCI-based evaluation tools (WAVE and Google Lighthouse) to assess compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2. The evaluation identified 1,238 accessibility errors and 1,393 contrast-related issues, with most violations concentrated in the Perceivable (67.23%) and Operable (28.36%) principles. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia exhibited the highest levels of noncompliance, while others showed comparatively lower error densities. These results indicate that accessibility barriers in university websites are primarily systemic, stemming from deficiencies in visual perception, navigation, and semantic structure rather than isolated implementation flaws. The findings reinforce the view that web accessibility should not be treated solely as a technical compliance task, but rather as a human-centered, sustainability-oriented dimension of interaction design. Integrating accessibility within HCI frameworks can enhance digital inclusion, reduce educational inequalities, and promote the development of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystems in higher education across Latin America. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
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    Low-Cost Interfaces and Technological Accessibility: A Human–Computer Interaction Approach for the Inclusion of Individuals with Motor Disabilities
    Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder of prenatal or perinatal origin that affects motor control, posture, and frequently speech, thereby limiting autonomy and social participation among individuals who experience it. During the transition to adulthood, these limitations tend to intensify, highlighting the need for assistive technologies (AT) that effectively address real-world contexts of use. However, the high cost and limited adaptability of many existing solutions restrict their adoption, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study is situated within the field of Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) and aims to evaluate low-cost input devices based on principles of accessibility, ergonomics, and usability, to improve the work performance of individuals with motor disabilities. A qualitative methodology was employed, based on the think-aloud technique, applied to a case study involving an adult with cerebral palsy who interacted with three devices: a conventional trackpad, a MAKEY MAKEY-based interface, and a wireless keyboard with an integrated touchpad. The results indicate that, although the trackpad allows for a degree of progressive adaptation, it presents limitations in tasks requiring bimanual coordination. The MAKEY MAKEY interface provides greater discrete control but demands high levels of coordination and generates fatigue due to its physical configuration. In contrast, the wireless keyboard with an integrated touchpad emerges as the most efficient and ergonomic alternative, as it distributes functions between both hands and reduces physical effort. It is concluded that the adaptation of mass-market consumer technologies, under a user-centered design approach, can offer accessible, functional, and sustainable solutions for the digital inclusion of individuals with motor disabilities. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
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    GUM: Gum Understanding Mission—A Serious Game to Improve Periodontitis Literacy Among University Students
    (2026)
    Franklin Parrales-Bravo
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    Luis Caguana-Alvarez
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    Miguel Dávila-Medina
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    Carolina Parrales-Bravo
    Objectives: Periodontitis represents a significant global health burden, yet preventive health literacy remains critically low among emerging adults—a developmental stage where lifelong health behaviors crystallize. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the GUM (an acronym of Gum Understanding Mission) game, an interactive gamified digital tool incorporating AI-informed or manual feedback, for improving periodontitis literacy among tenth-semester Software Engineering students at the University of Guayaquil. Methods: In a controlled pre-test/post-test experiment, 50 participants were randomly assigned to either the GUM game intervention or a traditional lecture. Both groups completed identical knowledge assessments immediately before and after their respective 50-min instructional sessions. The GUM game featured adaptive questioning, immediate elaborated feedback, and comprehensive performance analytics, while the control group received instructor-led didactic instruction with a subsequent question-and-answer session. Results: The GUM group improved from a baseline of 21% to 94% correct responses, while the lecture group increased from 22% to 67% (p&lt;0.001). Error reduction was 74% in the GUM group versus 45% in the control group. However, the study’s scope is currently limited to a single, digitally literate cohort, and knowledge retention over time was not assessed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a self-directed, feedback-driven serious game can substantially outperform traditional methods in fostering periodontitis literacy within this population. Further research is needed across diverse populations with extended follow-up periods to assess knowledge retention and generalizability.</jats:p>
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    Development of Websites as an Academic Integrative Project to Strengthen Businesses in the Popular and Solidarity Economy
    This article explores the development of websites as an academic integrative project aimed at strengthening businesses within the popular and solidarity economy (EPS) in the province of Pichincha, Ecuador. Fifth-semester students from the Digital Marketing program at Universidad Indoamérica, as part of their integrative project, worked on creating customized websites for 12 local businesses that already had marketable products, including labels, packaging, and other presentation tools. Using the WordPress platform, the students developed websites tailored to the specific needs of each business, with the goal of improving their digital presence, facilitating access to broader markets, and increasing the competitiveness of their products and services. In addition to the technical development, graphic design elements such as professional product photography and promotional videos were integrated, along with digital marketing strategies that included search engine optimization and social media integration. The results indicate that the creation of these customized websites significantly increased the online visibility of the businesses and enhanced consumer perception of professionalism and trust. This study highlights the importance of applied academic projects as tools for community engagement and local economic development in vulnerable sectors. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
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    Digital Catalogs and Digital Marketing Strategies for Product Promotion in the Popular and Solidarity Economy: A Community Engagement Experience
    This article analyzes the development of digital catalogs as a strategic marketing tool for promoting products within the popular and solidarity economy (EPS), as part of a community engagement project carried out by sixth-semester students from the Digital Marketing program at Universidad Indoamérica. The students, who had already gained experience in web development, worked on creating interactive digital catalogs for 12 local businesses from the province of Pichincha, whose products were already equipped with labels and packaging ready for commercialization. In addition to designing the catalogs, digital marketing elements such as visual content optimization and linking the catalogs to e-commerce platforms and social media were integrated. The results show that the use of digital catalogs not only facilitated the professional presentation of the products but also enhanced consumer interaction and expanded the reach of these businesses in the digital marketplace. This study demonstrates how the collaboration between academia and community can strengthen small businesses, fostering their growth in digital environments. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
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    Educational Escape Room: A Gamified Strategy for Teaching Ecuadorian Cultural Heritage
    The study is grounded in educational innovation through gamification, emphasizing the significance of meaningful learning and active student engagement. The primary objective is to design a sustainable course based on the ADDIE model, incorporating the Escape Room strategy to enhance motivation and learning in Cultural and Artistic Education. The ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) was employed to structure the educational proposal. In the analysis phase, educational needs were identified through consultations with 18 teachers. During the design phase, the structure of the Escape Room, entitled “La Ruta Escondida—Discovering History,” was established, featuring thematic missions related to Ecuadorian heritage. In the development phase, digital educational resources were created using platforms such as Genially and Wordwall. Implementation involved active student participation, and evaluation was conducted using observation checklists. The findings demonstrate improvements in student motivation, collaborative work, and problem-solving skills. Greater interaction and content appropriation were observed, establishing the Escape Room as an effective tool for immersive learning. The study confirms that gamification fosters meaningful learning by promoting participation and the development of key skills within the classroom. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026.
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    Optimizing Agriculture with LoRaWAN and HCI: A Smart Approach to Sustainable Farming
    Modern agriculture faces challenges including water scarcity, excessive fertilizer use, and limited connectivity in rural areas, all exacerbated by climate change. This paper presents a smart agriculture system leveraging LoRaWAN technology and human-computer interfaces (HCI) to address these issues. The proposed system integrates low-cost sensors, a LoRaWAN-based network, and a user-friendly dashboard for real-time monitoring of critical variables such as soil moisture, ambient humidity and temperature. A proof-of-concept implementation demonstrates the system’s effectiveness in optimizing water and fertilizer use while maintaining scalability for large agricultural operations. The system operates reliably within rural environments without relying on traditional internet infrastructure, offering an affordable and sustainable solution. Field tests validate the system’s performance, highlighting its potential to enhance decision-making and resource efficiency in floriculture and beyond. Future work aims to expand the system’s capabilities with additional sensors, artificial intelligence for predictive analytics, and automated control mechanisms, further supporting sustainable farming practices.
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