A CRITICAL REVIEW OF MOBILE UХ: THEORETICAL MODELS, DESIGN PRINCIPLES, AND PRACTICAL LIMITATIONS

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to conduct a critical analysis and systematization of the theoretical foundations underlying mobile user experience (UX) design. This work extends beyond a mere enumeration of practical recommendations, instead exploring how fundamental theories from cognitive psychology and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) are adapted, amplified, or transformed within the specific context of mobile platforms. The primary objective is to formulate a holistic conceptual framework that integrates classical design principles with new, mobile-centric concepts, demonstrating their interplay, contradictions, and synergies. Methodology. The study is based on a comprehensive approach that involves a critical review and synthesis of scientific literature, a comparative analysis of classical theories, and a critical assessment of their relevance and application in the contemporary mobile environment. Results. The analysis establishes that effective mobile UX/UI is a synthesis of three theoretical levels: fundamental cognitive principles, classical interaction theories, and mobile-centric concepts. It is demonstrated that the constraints of the mobile environment (e.g., small screen size, fragmented attention) do not diminish but rather amplify the significance of classical laws, such as Miller’s Law and the Peak-End Rule. Concurrently, a fundamental conflict has been identified between the traditional visual hierarchy inherent in desktop interfaces and the ergonomic hierarchy dictated by the “Thumb Zone” on mobile devices. The study reveals contradictions between theoretical UX ideals and development practices, driven by business objectives, technical fragmentation, and agile development methodologies (Lean UX). Furthermore, the ethical dimension of applying psychological theories is analyzed, particularly the use of “dark patterns” to manipulate user behavior. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the formulation of a comprehensive, multi-level conceptual model for mobile UX that integrates psychological, HCI, and context-specific theories. Unlike works that focus on isolated practices, this article offers a systemic perspective on mobile design as a discipline with a profound theoretical foundation. Points of adaptation, amplification, and conflict between classical and modern theories have been meticulously analyzed, which allows for moving beyond the simple transposition of desktop principles and substantiates the necessity of a unique, mobile-centric design approach. Practical relevance. The practical significance of the findings is in providing UX/UI designers and developers with a rich theoretical toolkit for making informed design decisions. An understanding of these fundamental principles enables the creation of more intuitive, efficient, and interruption-resilient mobile interfaces. The analysis of conflicts between theory and practice can be utilized to optimize workflows within design teams and to improve communication with business stakeholders. The outlined ethical dimension raises specialists’ awareness of their responsibility for users’ digital well-being and encourages the creation of more ethical and human-centric products.