Advances in Mobile Applications Related to Human–Computer Interaction (HCI)
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Computing and Artificial Intelligence".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2026 | Viewed by 21
Special Issue Editors
Interests: machine learning; ICTs for sustainable development; HCI; emerging technologies
Interests: augmented reality; virtual reality; mixed reality; human–computer interaction; wearable interaction; user experience; usability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Mobile technologies have become powerful enablers of digital inclusion, social innovation, and citizen participation, particularly across Africa, where mobile phones serve as the most accessible computing platform. The continent’s rapid mobile adoption presents unique opportunities to bridge digital divides, empower communities, and reimagine human–computer interaction (HCI) in contexts characterized by linguistic diversity, infrastructure limitations, and vibrant cultural innovation.
This Special Issue focuses on the advances in mobile applications that deepen our understanding of how people interact with technology in everyday life, emphasizing citizen-centric design, participatory innovation, and inclusive usability. We invite original contributions that examine how HCI principles inform mobile development aimed at empowering citizens, fostering community engagement, and promoting public-good applications across diverse African and global settings.
Of particular interest are studies demonstrating how mobile interfaces and interaction models enable localized participation, trust, and sustainability in sectors such as health, education, governance, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. In Africa, where many users experience connectivity constraints or low digital literacy, context-sensitive HCI research is essential for designing meaningful and equitable mobile experiences.
Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
- Human–Computer Interaction frameworks for mobile application design and evaluation;
- Citizen-centred and participatory approaches to mobile innovation in Africa;
- Mobile applications for civic engagement, public service delivery, and grassroots participation;
- Multilingual and culturally adaptive mobile user interfaces;
- Accessibility and inclusive design for low-resource and rural environments;
- Integration of AI, IoT, and data analytics in citizen-oriented mobile systems;
- Evaluations of trust, ethics, and user experience in mobile platforms;
- Case studies on mobile-driven social transformation in communities.
We welcome empirical studies, design experiments, conceptual papers, and comparative reviews that advance both theory and practice. Through this Special Issue, we aim to highlight Africa’s growing contribution to global HCI discourse—showcasing how citizen-centric, mobile-first innovation can redefine human–computer interaction for a more connected, participatory, and equitable digital future.
Dr. Nobert Rangarirai Jere
Prof. Dr. Jorge Martin Gutierrez
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- human–computer interaction
- mobile applications
- citizen participation
- inclusive design
- Africa
- explainable AI
- user experience
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
