A framework for designing ICT4 Agric interfaces for low-literate farmers in Uganda

Abstract

This study develops a framework to enhance the usability of ICT4Agric interfaces for low-literate farmers in Uganda. Despite the potential that ICT4Agric apps have to revolutionize agricultural practices, significant usability challenges still hinder many farmers from effectively leveraging these technologies. ICT4Agric apps have User Interfaces (UI) that often do not meet the unique needs of this population, leading to poor user experiences and low adoption rates of these technologies. Frameworks to guide development of User Interfaces for low-literate users have been developed, however, none of them have provided a lasting solution. Using a design science research approach, this study combines perspectives from low-literate farmers and developers to develop a user-centered framework. Data from a field study involving 60 low-literate farmers and 60 developers was analyzed with the help of SPSS. The results highlighted significant challenges that low-literate users encounter while navigating ICT4Agric interfaces, including text-heavy interfaces, confusing navigation, and limited support for non- literate users. To address these, the Framework for Designing Usable ICT4Agric interfaces for low-literate farmers stresses participatory design, multiple interaction modes, visual and audio cues, and iterative usability testing, among other guidelines, ensuring interfaces are intuitive and usable. The framework was validated through structured walkthroughs with UI experts, confirming its practicality and effectiveness. From the findings, most expert respondents (95%) agreed that they would recommend the framework to other organizations, policymakers, and software developers, particularly those responsible for developing ICT4Agric interfaces for low-literate farmers. By tailoring digital agricultural solutions to the cognitive and literacy levels of low-literate farmers, this research contributes knowledge to the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). The framework not only enhances usablity but also promotes the broader adoption of ICT4Agric applications, supporting sustainable agricultural development in Uganda.