Designing an Application for Literature Search and Academic Task Organisation

The diploma thesis addresses the design of a digital application concept for literature search and academic task organisation. The study process is often fragmented across various tools, such as search engines, citation generators, notes and calendars, which causes loss of time, lack of transparency and additional stress. The results showed that the prototype was easy to use, visually appealing and motivational. Particularly prominent were the functionalities of automatic citation, structured projects and AI assistant, which users recognised as most useful.

Problem

The diploma thesis addresses the design of a digital application concept for literature search and academic task organisation.

Solution and Method

The study process is often fragmented across various tools, such as search engines, citation generators, notes and calendars, which causes loss of time, lack of transparency and additional stress. The aim of the work was to develop a user interface prototype that combines key functionalities, such as smart literature search, structured organisation of sources, automatic citation generation and study obligation planning. The research was based on analysis of existing solutions, prototype design in Figma and testing with a group of seven users.

Participants completed pre-prepared tasks and evaluated the prototype using a questionnaire.

Results

The results showed that the prototype was easy to use, visually appealing and motivational. Particularly prominent were the functionalities of automatic citation, structured projects and AI assistant, which users recognised as most useful. Issues also arose with the citation button and adding tasks to the planner, which confirms the need for further improvement.

Based on the results, it was confirmed that well-designed user experience increases willingness to use digital tools and that visual organisation of sources reduces users' cognitive load. The research showed that even a prototype solution significantly affects the academic process and student user experience. The concluding findings indicate that a comprehensive solution, such as the proposed application, could significantly contribute to greater transparency, organisation and motivation of students and professors in academic work.

In addition to the theoretical overview, the work offers practical insight into designing a solution with real value in an educational environment. Users repeatedly emphasised that they would use such a tool in their everyday study process, whilst some suggested improvements, such as clearer citation buttons, dark mode and multilingual support options, which demonstrates potential for further development. This opens up an opportunity to upgrade the prototype into an actual application that could have a broader impact on the academic community.