User Accessibility Testing and Research
User accessibility testing and research, also known as user research, usability testing and user experience (UX) accessibility evaluation, identifies usability and accessibility issues that deliver better digital experiences for every user.
Get help from AbilityNet with all your user testing needs including:
- Surveys
- Focus Groups
- Interviews
- User Testing
- Inclusive research consultancy
Benefit from the expertise of our experienced usability and accessibility specialists to design and deliver user research programmes for each client. They work with more than 350 disabled testers who use a range of devices and operating systems.
What is User Accessibility Testing?
User accessibility testing will address usability problems and identify your customers' biggest pain points. AbilityNet’s user testing identifies up to 45% more accessibility issues than an audit alone, offering richer and more comprehensive user insights.
By involving a diverse set of people, you maximise your budget:
- Collect feedback from a wide range of existing and potential customers
- Gain insights into how accessible your product is and where changes are needed
- Receive actionable recommendations to improve your products and services
- Observe testing sessions to understand your customers' experience first-hand
AbilityNet's expert team will work with you to identify the right users, ask them the right questions, and tailor the insights they deliver to meet your needs.
What is User Accessibility Research?
User accessibility research encompasses various methods for gathering insights about users' behaviours, needs, and experiences. Choose from AbiltiyNet’s three types of user research services: surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
- Surveys - structured questionnaires distributed to a large audience to collect quantitative data about user preferences, behaviours, and opinions. They are useful for gathering broad insights and identifying trends.
- Inclusive Focus Groups - moderated discussions with a diverse range of participants. This method provides qualitative insights into users' attitudes, perceptions, and motivations through interactive dialogue and group dynamics.
- Interviews - one-to-one interviews that provide a detailed understanding of the needs of specific disabled users. This method helps collect detailed qualitative data and uncovers the underlying reasons behind user behaviours.
By including disabled participants in your user research, you can identify and address specific accessibility issues, ultimately creating a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for all.
Why choose AbilityNet?
We are a global leader in web and digital accessibility, based in the UK, with one of the biggest expert team of specialist Accessibility and Usability Consultants. We have assisted numerous major household names, from all sectors, including banking, insurance, retail, education, and government.
We are a Founding Member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) and organise TechShare Pro, Europe’s largest annual accessibility and inclusion gathering.
A managed network of over 350 Disabled User Testers
97% Customer Satisfaction rating from organisations last year
Many of our consultants have lived experience of disability and neurodivergence, bringing deep insight alongside their professional backgrounds in psychology, education, and UX design. They are also highly qualified in accessibility, with many holding Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) credentials from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP).
This means they have successfully passed both the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) and the Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) exams, demonstrating their expertise in accessibility best practices and technical implementation.
Clients we've helped
We are a UK charity that has been a global leader in web and digital accessibility for over 25 years. Read the case studies below to learn how we help our clients achieve their accessibility goals.
User testing boosted the British Museum's accessibility
User testing improved the British Museum's website, making the booking process more accessible
Auditing and accrediting Blind Veterans UK's website
After expert user testing and auditing, the Blind Veterans UK site received our accreditation and praise from the BBC
Frequently asked questions about user accessibility testing and research
We have answered some of the commonly asked questions we receive about user accessibility testing and research below (please click to expand).
User accessibility testing and user research are both essential in the design process but serve different purposes.
User testing evaluates a product or prototype with real users to identify usability issues, typically conducted later in the design process using methods like usability testing and A/B testing. It provides actionable feedback for refinement.
User research, conducted early and throughout the product lifecycle, focuses on understanding users' needs, behaviours, and pain points through interviews and surveys. This research informs design decisions and helps create user personas and journey maps.
In summary, user testing assesses usability, while user research aims to understand users. Both are crucial for user-centered designs.
Starting user research for your organisation involves several key steps. First, define your research objectives to understand what you need to learn about your users. Next, choose appropriate research methods such as interviews, surveys, and focus groups. Recruiting participants who represent your target audience is crucial for gathering relevant insights. Conduct the research, analyse the data, and use the findings to inform your design decisions.
AbilityNet’s team combines a wealth of experience in accessibility, UX, and research techniques with their own lived experience of disability. Whatever your needs they can:
- Review your current project plans and research activities
- Advise on inclusive research methods
- Test your research assumptions
- Advise on the format and language of your questions
- Highlight the best use of limited resources
- Help you engage with internal stakeholders
- Work with you to establish clear goals and objectives for inclusive research
- Recruit participants with access needs from your target audiences
If you're interested in independently conducting user accessibility testing and research, enhancing your skills and credibility is key. AbilityNet’s ‘How to do inclusive usability testing’ training course covers techniques for user research and early user interface (UI) design exploration.
Absolutely, user testing is worth it, especially when it includes disability user testing. Investing in accessibility gives you a competitive edge and allows you to reach a broader audience. User testing also shows your commitment to inclusivity and supporting disabled people.
AbilityNet’s user testing service can identify up to 45% more accessibility issues than a standard audit. It checks the usability of your digital estate and targets specific improvements for your website or app. User testing enhances user experience and ensures your digital products are accessible to everyone, benefiting both your business and users.
Accessibility professionals should engage in user research and testing to:
- Understand user needs: Gain insights into the unique challenges of disabled users, crucial for designing accessible products.
- Improve usability: Ensure accessibility features are practical and effective by identifying usability issues during testing.
- Ensure compliance: Meet accessibility standards and legal requirements, such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
- Promote inclusive design: Make products accessible to everyone by engaging with a diverse group of users.
- Enhance user experience: Create more intuitive and satisfying products by addressing the needs of disabled users.
- Enable continuous improvement: Keep products up to date with evolving user needs through regular testing and feedback.
- Prioritising user research and testing leads to more effective, inclusive, and user-friendly solutions.
Additionally, AbilityNet’s expert Accessibility Consultants answer this very question in detail. Watch the video to learn more about their insights and how they can help you achieve your accessibility goals.
While some aspects of user testing can be automated, the lived experiences of disabled user testers are irreplaceable. Automated tools can identify technical problems, but they cannot replicate the nuanced feedback from real users.
Disabled user testers provide invaluable insights that automated tests cannot capture. Their experiences help identify accessibility barriers and usability issues that might be overlooked. This human perspective is crucial for creating truly inclusive and user-friendly products.
To become a disabled user tester with AbilityNet, visit our Disabled User Tester opportunity page and complete the application form. Once accepted, you will be invited to participate in various user testing opportunities based on your profile, such as user testing, questionnaires, focus groups, and general user research. You can choose the opportunities that interest you and provide feedback on apps, websites, or products.
Digital accessibility can enhance your business by:
- Expanding your audience reach
- Improving user satisfaction and loyalty
- Boosting Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and search rankings
- Demonstrating commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility
- Reducing legal risks
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about our full range of services please consider downloading our Digital Accessibility Services brochure, or alternatively you can get in contact with us.
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