The impact of cognitive and emotional factors on user experience in HCI

Authors

  • Ike Joseph Mgbeafulike
    Department of Computer Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Ogochukwu C. Okeke
    Department of Computer Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Osita Miracle Nwakeze
    Department of Computer Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Anthony T. Umerah
    Department of Computer Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Uju Cynthia Nwabudike
    Computer Science Department, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Nigeria
  • Chikaodili Chidi-Onuigbo
    Department of Computer Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria

Keywords:

Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience (UX), Cognitive Factors, Emotional Design, Affective Computing

Abstract

This paper discusses how cognitive and emotional factors affect user experience (UX) in human-computer interaction (HCI). It examines how users' cognitive processes, including perception, attention, memory and decision-making, interact with emotional reactions, including satisfaction, trust and engagement, to shape the quality of interaction. Drawing on principles from cognitive psychology and affective computing, the study shows that effective HCI design extends beyond functionality and efficiency to include emotional appeal and user satisfaction. The paper emphasises that reducing cognitive load, maintaining interface consistency and using intuitive visual cues improve understanding and task performance. At the same time, integrating affective design principles, including aesthetic appeal, empathy and personalisation, contributes to greater emotional satisfaction and user motivation. It also assesses approaches for measuring UX, including usability testing, heuristic evaluation, affective feedback and physiological emotion monitoring, to capture the cognitive and emotional dimensions of interaction. The findings indicate that combining cognitive ergonomics and emotional intelligence in interface design can produce more adaptive, engaging and human-centred systems. By balancing mental efficiency with positive emotional experience, designers can create technologies that promote trust, empathy and long-term user engagement. Overall, this study supports the value of balancing rational and affective design to develop interactive systems that are useful, efficient, meaningful and emotionally satisfying.

Dimensions

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Published

2026-07-03

How to Cite

The impact of cognitive and emotional factors on user experience in HCI. (2026). African Scientific Reports, 5(2), 421. https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2026.5.2.421

Issue

Volume 5, Issue 2, August 2026

Section

ENGINEERING SECTION
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2026 Ike Joseph Mgbeafulike, Ogochukwu C. Okeke, Osita Miracle Nwakeze, Anthony T. Umerah, Uju Cynthia Nwabudike, Chikaodili Chidi-Onuigbo

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

The impact of cognitive and emotional factors on user experience in HCI. (2026). African Scientific Reports, 5(2), 421. https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2026.5.2.421

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