How can user research and testing methods be adapted for assistive technologies and user interfaces?

1 User research methods

User research methods are techniques to understand the needs, preferences, and challenges of the users of AT and UI. Some common user research methods are interviews, surveys, observations, focus groups, and personas. These methods can be adapted for AT and UI by involving users with disabilities in the design process, using accessible tools and formats, and asking questions that are relevant and respectful to their experiences and goals.

2 User testing methods

User testing methods are techniques to evaluate the functionality, usability, and satisfaction of AT and UI with real or potential users. Some common user testing methods are usability testing, accessibility testing, heuristic evaluation, and user feedback. These methods can be adapted for AT and UI by selecting appropriate tasks and scenarios, recruiting diverse and representative users, providing adequate support and accommodation, and measuring relevant outcomes and metrics.

3 User research and testing challenges

User research and testing for AT and UI can face some challenges that require careful planning and execution. Some of these challenges are ethical, such as ensuring informed consent, privacy, and safety of the users. Some are practical, such as finding and recruiting users with disabilities, providing adequate resources and incentives, and dealing with technical issues or limitations. Some are methodological, such as choosing the right methods, tools, and measures, and interpreting and communicating the results.

4 User research and testing benefits

User research and testing for AT and UI can also bring some benefits that can improve the design process and the final product. Some of these benefits are user-centric, such as enhancing user satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty, and reducing user frustration, errors, and abandonment. Some are design-centric, such as identifying user needs, problems, and opportunities, and generating user feedback, insights, and recommendations. Some are business-centric, such as increasing market share, revenue, and reputation, and reducing costs, risks, and legal issues.

5 User research and testing resources

User research and testing for AT and UI can be supported by some resources that can help designers and developers learn more about the best practices, tools, and guidelines. Some of these resources are online, such as websites, blogs, podcasts, and courses that offer information, advice, and examples of user research and testing for AT and UI. Some are offline, such as books, journals, conferences, and workshops that provide knowledge, research, and networking opportunities for user research and testing for AT and UI.

6 User research and testing tips

User research and testing for AT and UI can be improved by some tips that can help designers and developers conduct more effective and efficient user research and testing for AT and UI. Some of these tips are to involve users with disabilities early and often in the design process, to use a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, to test with realistic tasks and contexts, to observe and listen to the users carefully, to ask open-ended and follow-up questions, and to report and act on the findings promptly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?