Assessing complexity, usability and inclusivity in educational platforms: design and validation of the SmartUsability instrument

Siria Yahaira Valenzuela-Arvizu is a doctoral student in the Education in the Knowledge Society Program at the Universidad de Salamanca. She holds a master’s degree in educational technology from Tecnológico de Monterrey (2018) and has professional teaching experience in the Mexican basic education system. Her research addresses educational innovation, digital ecosystems with AI integration and the development of complex and computational thinking in higher education. She is a member of the Research4Challenge group at the Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnológico de Monterrey, contributing to projects on digital transformation and technology-mediated educational innovation.

Hugo Alexander Rozo-Garcia is a Researcher in educational technology, with a focus on digital education, active methodologies and digital competence. Associate researcher recognized by MinCiencias and member of the Research4Challenge group at the Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnológico de Monterrey. He is a PhD candidate in Education at Universidad de La Sabana and member of the Proventus research group (A1). He has published more than ten Scopus-indexed articles, six book chapters and is co-inventor of a patent in educational technology. His academic trajectory emphasizes scientific production and the advancement of technology-mediated educational innovation.

Carolina Alcántar-Nieblas is a Doctor in Education from the Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, she is a candidate in the National System of Researchers and is currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Educational Technology Unit at the Institute for the Future of Education at Tecnológico de Monterrey. She is the author and coauthor of several articles published in national and international journals, as well as book chapters. She has participated in national and international conferences as a speaker and referee for indexed journals. Her contributions to knowledge include research on family, school, cyberbullying and open educational resources.

Francisco José García-Peñalvo is a full Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Automation at the University of Salamanca (USAL), where he heads the GRIAL research group. A distinguished figure in both research and education, he was recognized with the Maria de Maeztu Award for research excellence in 2023 and the Gloria Begué Award for teaching excellence in 2019.

María Soledad Ramírez-Montoya is a Doctor of Philosophy and Education Sciences, senior research professor and Level 3 member of Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI). As UNESCO and ICDE Chair of the Open Education Movement for Latin America, she coordinates training and research networks to promote equitable access to learning and strengthen capacities to promote quality education for all. She has extensive teaching experience at all educational levels, as well as in teacher training, innovation benchmarks and educational change agents. She leads research groups and innovative projects based on Open Education and Science, 5.0 Technologies and intersectoral collaboration, with an emphasis on sustainable development.