Use of the human-centered experience approach to identify unpleasant emotions in a curriculum analysis process

Abstract

This article presents two exercises conducted within research during a process of reviewing engineering undergraduate degree programs. The objective is generating a curriculum evaluating model supported by information visualization tools. These exercises where 1. Generating the state-of-the-art in regard of curriculum evaluation and 2. Assessing the variation of evaluators emotions through the curriculum reviewing process. The state-of-the-art was carried through five phases using bibliographic and bibliometric analysis. Tools like ResearchRabbit and Gephi were utilized on the journals analysis. Results revealed a lack of research focused on the human experience or supported by information visualization tools. Based on the state-of-the-art results, a quasi-experiment was conducted for analyzing feelings during the review of undergraduate degree programs. Qualitative data was collected via a questionnaire based on Peter Desmet’s circle of emotions and the User Experience Questionnaire by Hinderks, Schrepp, and Thomaschewski. Data was collected during three different stages of the process. The information—processed via information visualization charts—showed that events such as sudden changes in the delivery times of results or in objectives and goals can provoke unpleasant feelings and emotions. The results suggest the need to implement strategies to minimize such situations. As results of both exercises conclude, the creation of a model for curriculum evaluation supported on information visualization tools is pertinent. Nevertheless, a new layer or stage should be from the human-experience approach. Opportunities for derivate research on unpleasant emotions impact on curriculum evaluation and emotions data processing via information visualization where identified.