Exploring human-centered design and usability testing of MathPal, a generative AI agent for math learning

Summary

This study examines the user-centered development of MathPal, a Generative AI (GAI) agent designed to provide conceptual and metacognitive support for high school students. Two rounds of usability testing that integrated voices from both teachers and students guided iterative refinements of MathPal’s design and interaction flow. Findings highlight how user-centered design principles can inform GAI development, ensuring that tools align with classroom needs, learner behaviors, and real-world usability expectations.