A Conceptual Framework for Integrating Design Thinking and Technology Acceptance Models in Islamic Quran Memorization Mobile Applications

The integration of digital technologies, particularly mobile applications for Quran memorization (Tahfiz), has significantly influenced religious education in Indonesia. Despite the growing availability of such applications, many existing platforms still emphasize technical functions and generic engagement features while insufficiently addressing learners' spiritual experience, pedagogical needs, and trust in Quranic content. This study proposes a conceptual framework that integrates Design Thinking (DT) with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and the Technology Acceptance Model in Islamic Education (TAMISE). The framework argues that the DT stages of empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing can strengthen acceptance factors, including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, Islamic education compatibility, trust, and digital self-efficacy. These factors are expected to influence behavioral intention and actual system use, which in turn contribute to Enhanced Tahfiz Learning Outcomes (ETLO). ETLO is operationalized through measurable indicators such as memorization retention, recitation accuracy, revision consistency, learner engagement duration, and teacher-verified progress. The paper further proposes empirical validation through expert panel review, Delphi or Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) construct prioritization, pilot prototyping, structural equation modeling, and mixed-method studies involving students, teachers, and religious scholars. The framework provides theoretically grounded and practically actionable guidance for designing Quran memorization applications that are usable, trustworthy, culturally appropriate, and aligned with Islamic pedagogical values.

Design Thinking, Technology Acceptance

1. Abubakari & Zakaria. (2023). Technology Acceptance Model in Islamic Education (TAMISE) for Digital Learning: Conceptual Framework Proposal. Canadian Journal of Educational and Social Studies, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.53103/cjess.v3i4.153 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Ariffin, S. A., Fathil, N. S., Yatim, M. H. M., & Samsuri, M. Z. (2022). Review on Cultural Design Elements for Mobile Applications User Interface. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 16(15), 78-92. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v16i15.30851 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Ariffin, S. A., He, M., & Wong, Y. S. (2024). The Contribution of Cultural Factors to Mobile Learning Acceptance in Chinese Higher Education. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 52(2), 74-88. https://doi.org/10.37934/araset.52.2.7488 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319-340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Djazilan, M. S., Rulyansah, A., & Rihlah, J. (2024). Why AI is Essential for the Future of Islamic Education: A Call for Ethical and Effective Implementation. EDUKASIA: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran, 5(2), 201-216. https://doi.org/10.62775/edukasia.v5i2.1373 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Ibrahim, M. A., Mohamad, K. A., Aziz, A. A., & Shaker, M. H. (2024). Enhancing Tahfiz al-Quran Learning Through Modern Technological Tools. 45(3). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Ibrahim, N., Nazri, N. M. Z., & Nasir, M. A. A.-H. (2024). Quranic Prayers' Mobile Application Development. 33(5). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Isa, N. H. M., Abd Aziz, N. H., Ishak, M., Mustafa, W. A., & Abd Rahman, M. N. (2023). Quran Mobile Application: A Structured Review. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 34(2), 117-132. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Lee, A. T., Ramasamy, R. K., & Subbarao, A. (2025). Understanding Psychosocial Barriers to Healthcare Technology Adoption: A Review of TAM Technology Acceptance Model and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and UTAUT Frameworks. Healthcare, 13(3), 250. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13030250 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Olivares Ugarte, J. E., & Bengtsson, L. (2024). Central Characteristics and Critical Success Factors of Design Thinking for Product Development in Industrial SMEs-A Bibliometric Analysis. Businesses, 4(4), 843-864. https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4040046 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Plattner, H., Meinel, C., & Leifer, L. (Eds.). (2011). Design Thinking: Understand-Improve-Apply. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-13757-0 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Purbohadi, D., Rahmawati, B. R., & Setiyawan, H. (2019). Development of Qur'an Memorization Learning Model Based on Mobile Learning. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1381(1), 012029. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1381/1/012029 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Razzouk, R., & Shute, V. (2012). What Is Design Thinking and Why Is It Important? Review of Educational Research, 82(3), 330-348. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654312457429 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B., & Davis, F. D. (2003). User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Quarterly, 27(3), 425-478. https://doi.org/10.2307/30036540 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Yusoff, M. F., Abu Bakar, J. A., & Mat, R. C. (2024). Guidelines for developers when developing an Islamic mobile app: A conceptual framework. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 6(11), 2024162. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2024162 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Yusriani, S., & Patiro, S. P. S. (2024). Digital Engagement and Technology Acceptance among the Muslim Community in Denmark: A TAM Approach. Digital Muslim Review, 2(1), 47-75. https://doi.org/10.32678/dmr.v2i1.34 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Zuhri, A. S., Asrori, A., Kholid, I., & Fauzan, A. (2023). An Analysis of Educational Problems in Islamic Non-Formal Education: Study at the House of Tahfidz Al-Qur'an Lampung. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.24042/002023141885700 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• What the Desert Fathers Teach Data Scientists: Ancient Ascetic Principles for Ethical Machine-Learning Practice
• Comparative Analysis of Some Machine Learning Algorithms for the Classification of Ransomware
• Comparative Performance Analysis of Some Priority Queue Variants in Dijkstra’s Algorithm
• Transfer Learning in Detecting E-Assessment Malpractice from a Proctored Video Recordings.
• Dual-Modal Detection of Parkinson’s Disease: A Clinical Framework and Deep Learning Approach Using NeuroParkNet