Topic: Usability Testing for Accessibility

Usability testing provides quantitative and qualitative data from real users performing real tasks with a product. Usability professionals can evaluate accessibility by using standard usability testing protocols, with a few modifications for including participants with disabilities.

While usability testing helps assess how usable accessibility solutions are by people with disabilities, it does not evaluate conformance to accessibility standards. Evaluating for Accessibility provides guidance on incorporating accessibility into other usability evaluation techniques.

This chapter provides detailed guidance on usability testing for accessibility in the following pages:

• Planning the Test covers determining participant characteristics, recruiting participants, choosing the best location, and scheduling the right amount of time.
• Preparing for the Test covers preparing test materials, reviewing the accessibility of the facility, becoming familiar with the assistive technology, and conducting a pilot test.
• Conducting the Test covers interacting with people with disabilities, setting up the room, orienting the participant, obtaining informed consent, completing the tasks, collecting data, compensating participants, and writing about people with disabilities.
• Checklist on Usability Testing for Accessibility summarizes the tasks and considerations involved in planning the test, preparing for the test, and conducting the test.
• Recruiting Screener: Questions for Usability Test Participants with Disabilities lists question to ask during recruiting.