May the Plan be with you!: A Usability Study of the Stimulated Planning Game Element Embedded in a MOOC Platform

The integration of Stimulated Planning (SP) game elements into Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platforms serves as a strategic intervention to mitigate high dropout rates by fostering goal achievement through implementation intention theory. By embedding game mechanics directly into the Open edX architecture, this initiative provides learners with structured tools for goal-setting, planning, and progress monitoring. The primary thesis posits that deep gamification, which aligns game-based mechanics with pedagogical objectives, can significantly enhance the user experience and support personalized learning paths.

Evaluative efforts focused on a cohort of 17 participants, utilizing a robust mixed-methods framework that combined System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaires, eye-tracking metrics, and retrospective think-aloud interviews. The prototype achieved a commendable SUS score of 75.94, signaling strong user satisfaction and functional effectiveness. Quantitative eye-tracking data and qualitative feedback revealed that while the core system is intuitive, specific interface components—notably the secondary planning pages—impose higher cognitive loads. Users frequently required additional time to process instructions, indicating that current navigation logic and terminology occasionally conflict with the host platform’s existing structure.

These findings underscore the necessity of refining interface design to ensure seamless interaction between gamified elements and standard course content. While the current iteration successfully facilitates user engagement, future development must prioritize the simplification of navigation and the clarification of instructional language to reduce friction. Ultimately, the research establishes a foundation for future longitudinal studies aimed at empirically validating whether these planning-focused interventions translate into improved course completion rates and sustained learner motivation within digital education environments.