User Voices: Why Real-World Testing with People with Disabilities Is Essential for True Accessibility

Does your product truly meet the needs of all users or does it just tick the accessibility boxes?

Last week, I emphasized the importance of expert reviews. Today, I’m shifting the focus to user testing—specifically with people with disabilities—and why they are key to achieving genuine inclusivity. While expert reviews are crucial for identifying early barriers, they can't replace the invaluable insights gained from real-world testing with people with disabilities. These perspectives are what truly bridge the gap between theoretical accessibility and authentic usability.

Why Both Expert Reviews and User Testing Matter

Testing with real users—especially people with disabilities—reveals how products function in real-world scenarios. It’s through these practical experiences that hidden obstacles are uncovered, and often overlooked by standards and guidelines alone.

“User Testing Is Too Subjective”—A Common Misconception

A common criticism is that user testing is too subjective. But this perspective misses the crucial role real people play in creating truly accessible products. Here’s why testing with people with disabilities is essential, despite concerns about subjectivity:

·       Complementing standards: User testing adds real-world context to the objective foundation provided by accessibility guidelines, accounting for scenarios and experiences standards may not cover.

·       Diverse feedback: Engaging a wide range of users with different disabilities reveals patterns and consistent issues, making the process less subjective and more focused on common challenges.

·       Real-world insights: Testing provides invaluable feedback on how a product performs across different devices, environments, and assistive technologies that guidelines might overlook.

·       Beyond the checklist: True accessibility isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about ensuring usability for everyone. User testing helps identify subtle, real-life issues that compliance alone may miss.

The Perfect Pair: Expert Reviews and User Testing

Both expert reviews and user testing play distinct yet complementary roles:

·       Participants: Expert reviews involve specialists who assess products against accessibility standards. User testing involves real users with disabilities, offering firsthand insights into how the product works in their everyday lives.

·       Focus: Expert reviews identify potential issues based on guidelines. User testing reveals how real users interact with the product, uncovering obstacles that might not have been predicted.

·       Methodology: Expert reviews provide immediate, solution-focused feedback, while user testing allows users to perform tasks and offers a broader view of the product’s usability.

·       Timing: Expert reviews occur early in the design process, allowing for rapid iterations. User testing typically happens later to validate the product’s performance in real-world settings.

The Importance of 'Nothing About Us Without Us'

Expert reviews lay the foundation for accessibility, but user testing ensures products meet the needs of actual users. The principle of Nothing About Us Without Us—that people with disabilities must be involved in decisions that affect them—anchors inclusive design. This philosophy shapes everything I do, from expert reviews to user testing. I’ll explore this topic in more depth later in the series.

By combining expert insights with user feedback, we can create truly inclusive designs. Expert reviews prevent early-stage issues, while user testing ensures that a product isn’t just accessible in theory but functional and practical for real users.

As someone who’s blind, I bring this dual perspective into every review and testing session. My experiences allow me to understand how design decisions directly impact real users, making accessibility more than just a professional goal, but a personal one as well.

Involving Users Strengthens Your Product

While expert knowledge is critical, working closely with users with disabilities uncovers subtle challenges that accessibility standards may overlook. For SMEs, this collaboration not only strengthens your product but deepens your team’s understanding of accessibility. Win win!

Question for the Community: How do you involve users with disabilities in your design process? What’s one thing you’ve learned from user testing?

#Accessibility #UserTesting #InclusiveDesign #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #UX #AccessibilityMatters