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What assistive technologies are best for usability testing?

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Usability testing is a process of evaluating how well a product or service meets the needs and expectations of its users. It is especially important to consider the accessibility and diversity of users, who may have different abilities, preferences, and challenges when interacting with a product or service. Assistive technologies are tools or devices that help users with disabilities or impairments to access or use a product or service. They can range from simple magnifiers or keyboards to complex screen readers or speech recognition software. In this article, we will explore what assistive technologies are best for usability testing, and how to use them effectively.

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1 Types of assistive technologies

Assistive technologies can help users with various disabilities or impairments, such as visual, auditory, motor, cognitive, or speech. Common examples include screen readers, which read out loud the content and elements of a screen; screen magnifiers, which enlarge the content and elements of a screen; text-to-speech software that converts text into speech; speech recognition software that converts speech into text; and keyboard and mouse alternatives such as switches, joysticks, touchscreens, and eye trackers. These technologies are used by those who are blind or have low vision, have difficulty reading or typing, have limited or no use of their hands, arms, or fingers, or who prefer auditory feedback.

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2 How to choose assistive technologies for usability testing

When selecting assistive technologies for usability testing, several factors should be taken into consideration, such as the type and severity of the user's disability or impairment, the compatibility of the assistive technology with the device or platform, its functionality and usability, and the user's preferences. To choose the best assistive technologies for usability testing, it is recommended to conduct user research to understand the needs and goals of target users and identify common disabilities or impairments. Moreover, creating accessibility and usability personas that represent characteristics, behaviors, and scenarios of target users can help specify which assistive technologies they use or would use. Additionally, a representative sample of users who use or would use the identified assistive technologies should be selected for usability testing. Finally, it is important to provide necessary equipment, software, and support for users to use the assistive technologies during testing.

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Alfredo Cisneros

UX/UI Designer - Strategist and Web Architect | Leading Innovation in IoT, AI, Cloud Big-data, SaaS and Connectivity Solutions
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In an ideal scenario, a well-equipped testing laboratory would allow users to utilize assistive technologies, offering valuable insights for usability validation. However, companies often need more resources, such as UX researchers, and rely heavily on a single UX/UI expert for all product phases. ?? While UX designers primarily depend on platform evaluation tools, testing with real users remains vital for effective solutions. If access to a lab is limited, integrating accessibility personas and user journey maps into all project stages becomes crucial. Moreover, a development team that is willing to do all the necessary work for a correct implementation.

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3 How to use assistive technologies for usability testing

In order to conduct usability testing with assistive technologies, some preparation and adaptation is necessary. This includes setting up the device or platform of the product or service to be compatible and accessible with the assistive technology, providing clear and concise instructions for users to use both the technology and product/service, observing and recording user interactions/behaviors, and collecting feedback from users about their experience. Such activities may include enabling accessibility features, adjusting settings, installing software, explaining purpose/tasks/scenarios/feedback methods, using screen capture/audio recording/eye tracking, and using surveys/interviews/ratings.

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Alfredo Cisneros

UX/UI Designer - Strategist and Web Architect | Leading Innovation in IoT, AI, Cloud Big-data, SaaS and Connectivity Solutions
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In my experience, successful usability testing with assistive technologies requires proactive accessibility measures. This involves ensuring compatibility with diverse devices and considering users' needs throughout testing. Engaging users with disabilities early on for insights is crucial. UX Designers often collaborate with Researchers, facilitating tasks during test sessions or observing and collecting valuable information to improve identified issues. We continually refine testing methodologies to address accessibility concerns and create better inclusive products.

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4 Benefits of using assistive technologies for usability testing

Using assistive technologies for usability testing can bring many benefits, such as improving the accessibility and usability of the product or service for a more diverse range of users. It can also enhance user experience and satisfaction, while providing valuable insights and feedback from users. Furthermore, it demonstrates the commitment of the product or service provider to address accessibility and diversity, as well as complying with standards and regulations.

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Alfredo Cisneros

UX/UI Designer - Strategist and Web Architect | Leading Innovation in IoT, AI, Cloud Big-data, SaaS and Connectivity Solutions
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In my experience working on government projects, particularly where compliance with accessibility and usability requirements is mandated, I've seen firsthand the benefits of using assistive technologies for usability testing. Not only does it ensure that the product or service meets the necessary standards for accessibility, but it also enhances the overall user experience for a more diverse range of users. Having a team that prioritizes inclusion and accessibility from the outset significantly contributes to the project's success. When there's a collective consciousness of making digital products accessible to all, it fosters a collaborative environment where these aspects are considered at every stage of development.

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5 Challenges of using assistive technologies for usability testing

Using assistive technologies for usability testing can come with challenges, such as finding and recruiting users who use or would use the assistive technologies, providing and maintaining the necessary equipment, software, and support, adapting and adjusting the device or platform to be compatible with the assistive technology, and interpreting and analyzing the data and feedback from users. These tasks may be costly, complex, unreliable, incomplete, inconsistent, or subjective.

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Alfredo Cisneros

UX/UI Designer - Strategist and Web Architect | Leading Innovation in IoT, AI, Cloud Big-data, SaaS and Connectivity Solutions
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When personnel cuts are needed in a company, UX Researchers are laid off first, followed by UX Designers, to retain developers. This is mainly due to the misconception that researchers require many resources, time, and processes to arrive at conclusive data that translates into tangible outcomes or products. Finding companies that prioritize accessibility testing can be challenging. While some may recognize its importance, providing the necessary environment and tools can still be lacking. This includes engaging real users with disabilities in testing sessions. However, we must acknowledge that reality often differs from the ideal, necessitating alternative options for conducting these validations and offering appropriate solutions.

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6 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?

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What assistive technologies are best for usability testing?

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6

1 Types of assistive technologies

2 How to choose assistive technologies for usability testing

3 How to use assistive technologies for usability testing

4 Benefits of using assistive technologies for usability testing

5 Challenges of using assistive technologies for usability testing

6 Here’s what else to consider

Usability Testing

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What assistive technologies are best for usability testing?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Types of assistive technologies

2 How to choose assistive technologies for usability testing

3 How to use assistive technologies for usability testing

4 Benefits of using assistive technologies for usability testing

5 Challenges of using assistive technologies for usability testing

6 Here’s what else to consider

Usability Testing

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