The Influence of User Experience in Digital Learning Applications on Students’ Motivation and Retention in Indonesian Higher Education Institutions

Rachmat Setyawan

doi:10.51903/d469j928

Authors

Rachmat Setyawan Universitas Sains dan Teknologi Komputer, Semarang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51903/d469j928

Keywords:

User Experience (UX), Digital Learning Applications, Learning Motivation, Student Retention, Higher Education

Abstract

This study is grounded in the growing integration of digital learning applications in Indonesian higher education and the need to understand how user experience (UX) influences students’ academic sustainability. The research aims to examine the direct effect of UX on student retention and the mediating role of learning motivation in explaining this relationship. A mixed-method approach was employed, involving a quantitative survey of 250 active university students using Likert-scale questionnaires and in-depth interviews with 10 selected participants, with data analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The findings reveal that user experience has a significant positive effect on learning motivation and student retention, while motivation also serves as a meaningful mediator in strengthening the relationship between UX and retention. These results indicate that well-designed digital learning experiences not only enhance students’ engagement but also contribute to their long-term academic commitment. The study contributes to the development of digital education management theory by integrating technological experience and motivational mechanisms into a unified empirical model, and it offers practical implications for universities seeking to improve student retention through strategic enhancement of digital learning platforms.

References

Akram, H., & Hussein, A. (2025). Acta Psychologica Examining the Role of Classpoint Tool in Shaping EFL Students ’ Perceived E-Learning Experiences : A Social Cognitive Theory Perspective. Acta Psychologica, 254(January), 104775. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.104775

Al-fraihat, D., Alshahrani, A. M., Alzaidi, M., Shaikh, A. A., Al-obeidallah, M., & Al-okaily, M. (2025). Computers in Human Behavior Reports Exploring Students’ Perceptions of the Design and use of the Moodle Learning Management System. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 18(September 2024), 100685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2025.100685

Alhazzaa, K., & Yan, W. (2025). Computers & Education : X Reality Immersive Technologies in Education : Exploring User Experience and Engagement in Building Energy Simulations through AR and VR. Computers & Education: X Reality, 6(September 2024), 100097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cexr.2025.100097

Amanta, A. N., & Dewi, M. U. (2026). Design and Development of STEKOM Learning Management System ( SIAKAD ) to Optimize User Experience. 5(1), 1–16.

Ayoub., O. (2025). The Evolution of E-Learning and its Challenges in Higher Education : A Theoretical Review L ’ Évolution De L ’ E-Learning Et Ses Défis Dans L ’ Enseignement Supérieur : Une Revue. 03, 174–196.

Balalle, H. (2024). Social Sciences & Humanities Open Exploring Student Engagement in Technology-Based Education in Relation to Gamification , Online / Distance Learning , and Other Factors : A Systematic Literature Review. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 9(February), 100870. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.100870

Bergdahl, N., & Sj, J. (2025). Computers and Education : Artificial Intelligence Attitudes, Perceptions and AI Self-Efficacy in K-12 Education. 8(January), 4–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100358

Bukhatir, A., Al-hawari, M. A., Aderibigbe, S., Omar, M., & Alotaibi, E. (2023). Journal of Open Innovation : Technology , Market , and Complexity Improving Student Retention in Higher Education Institutions – Exploring the Factors Influencing Employees Extra-Role Behavior. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 9(3), 100128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100128

Bygstad, B., Egil, Ø., Ludvigsen, S., & Dæhlen, M. (2022). Computers & Education from Dual Digitalization to Digital Learning Space : Exploring the Digital Transformation of Higher Education. 182(August 2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104463

Castelhano, M., Aufenanger, S., Bastian, J., Fokides, E., Gavalas, D., Kasapakis, V., Agelada, A., Kostas, A., Koutromanos, G., Makrides, G., Morgado, L., Pedrosa, D., Szemberg, T., & Sofos, A. (2025). Computers & Education : X Reality Immersive Virtual Reality Learning Environments for Higher Education : A Student Acceptance Study. 7(June). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cexr.2025.100105

Dieste, O., Ferreira, J. M., & Rodrı, F. D. (2023). Impact of Usability Mechanisms : A Family of Experiments on Efficiency , Effectiveness and User Satisfaction. 49(1), 251–267. https://doi.org/10.1109/TSE.2022.3149586

Firdaus, A., Amrullah, A., Adawiyah, L. R., & Zakiah, Q. Y. (2021). Enhancing Learning Quality and Student Engagement : Utilizing Digital Technology in Islamic Education.

Getaneh, T., Zaw, T., & Jozsa, K. (2025). International Journal of Educational Research Open Bridging Theoretical Gaps to Improve Students’ Academic Success in Higher Education in the Digital Era: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 9(August), 100510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedro.2025.100510

Huang, X. I. N., Li, Y., & Tian, F. (2025). Enhancing User Experience in Interactive Virtual Museums for Cultural Heritage Learning Through Extended Reality : The Case of Sanxingdui Bronzes. IEEE Access, 13(March), 59405–59421. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3556938

Husnita, L., Rahayuni, A., Fusfitasari, Y., & Siswanto, E. (2023). The Role of Mobile Technology in Improving Accessibility and Quality of Learning. 11(December), 259–271.

Joseph, E. (2025). Understanding Gen Z Preferences for Features of Online Learning Platforms through Conjoint Analysis. 4(4), 1739–1754.

Laila, D., Izzatul, R., & Miftah, M. (2025). Transformasi Digital di Dunia Pendidikan: Implementasi dan Dampak Teknologi Pembelajaran. Journal of Science and Technology: Alpha, 1(2), 37–41. https://doi.org/10.70716/ALPHA.V1I2.172

Maier, U., & Klotz, C. (2022). Computers and Education : Artificial Intelligence Personalized Feedback in Digital Learning Environments : Classification Framework and Literature Review. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 3(May), 100080. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2022.100080

Olateju Temitope Akintayo, Chima Abimbola Eden, Oyebola Olusola Ayeni, & Nneamaka Chisom Onyebuchi. (2024). Evaluating the Impact of Educational Technology on Learning Outcomes in the Higher Education Sector: A Systematic Review. Open Access Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 7(2), 052–072. https://doi.org/10.53022/oarjms.2024.7.2.0026

Rotondi, V., Noris, A., & Carpanzano, E. (2024). World Development Sustainability Understanding Sustainability Perceptions : Insights from Textual Analysis and a Survey Experiment. World Development Sustainability, 5(July), 100182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wds.2024.100182

Sharma, R., Tan, C., Gomez, D., Xu, C., & Dub, A. K. (2025). Guiding Teachers’ Game-Based Learning : How User Experience of a Digital Curriculum Guide Impacts Teachers’ Self-Efficacy and Acceptance of Educational Games. 155(August 2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2024.104915

Sudirjo, F., Ratna Tungga Dewa, D. M., Indra Kesuma, L., Suryaningsih, L., & Yuniarti Utami, E. (2024). Application of The User Centered Design Method To Evaluate The Relationship Between User Experience, User Interface and Customer Satisfaction on Banking Mobile Application. Jurnal Informasi Dan Teknologi, 6, 7–13. https://doi.org/10.60083/jidt.v6i1.465

Syamala, S., Shrivastava, A., & Karmakar, S. (2025a). Enhancing User Experience in Digital Design Learning Environments Through User Interface Improvements : A Comprehensive Approach. IEEE Access, 13(October), 182960–182976. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3624267

Syamala, S., Shrivastava, A., & Karmakar, S. (2025b). Social Sciences & Humanities Open Identifying Interface Design Factors Impacting User Experience in Digital Learning Platforms- A Pilot Study. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11(June), 101662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101662

Xu, W., Qin, C., Kang, Y., Yang, Z., & Li, Q. (2026). Digital Economy and Supply Chain Resilience. International Review of Economics and Finance, 105(November 2025), 104848. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2025.104848

Yang, H., & Rui, Y. (2025). Acta Psychologica Transforming EFL Students’ Engagement : How AI-Enhanced Environments Bridge Emotional Health Challenges Like Depression and Anxiety. Acta Psychologica, 257(February), 105104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105104

Zhang, Y., & Zhang, X. (2024). Acta Psychologica The Impact of Online Interaction and Information Technology Accessibility on Academic Engagement Among International Undergraduate Students in Chinese Universities : The Mediating Effect Of Learning Interest. Acta Psychologica, 249(15), 104478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104478