Testing is a critical aspect of product development, ensuring that digital interfaces are intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable for all users. However, when it comes to testing with customers living with disabilities, traditional methods may fall short in capturing their unique perspectives and needs. Video user testing offers a dynamic solution, allowing researchers to observe real-time interactions and gain invaluable insights. In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for conducting video user testing with customers living with disabilities, facilitating the creation of more inclusive digital experiences.
- Accessibility Preparation: Before conducting video user testing with customers living with disabilities, it’s essential to ensure that the testing environment and materials are accessible. This includes:
- Providing accessible testing platforms: Choose video conferencing tools and testing platforms that support accessibility features such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, and captioning.
- Offering alternative communication methods: Some participants may require alternative communication methods such as sign language interpretation or text-based communication. Be prepared to accommodate these needs.
- Providing accessible materials: Ensure that any documents or stimuli provided during the testing session are accessible, including alternative text for images, readable fonts, and high contrast colors.
- Participant Recruitment: Recruiting participants living with disabilities for video user testing requires careful consideration to ensure diverse representation. Consider the following strategies:
- Partner with disability advocacy organisations: Collaborate with organisations that represent people with various disabilities to recruit participants.
- Use inclusive language: When advertising for participants, use language that is inclusive and welcoming to people with disabilities.
- Offer incentives: Recognise the time and effort participants contribute by offering incentives such as compensation or gift cards.
- Establishing Trust and Comfort: Building trust and creating a comfortable environment is essential for productive video user testing sessions:
- Conduct pre-session introductions: Before diving into the testing activities, take time to introduce yourself, explain the purpose of the session, and establish rapport with the participant.
- Encourage open communication: Create a supportive atmosphere where participants feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, frustrations, and preferences.
- Respect privacy and autonomy: Always seek consent before recording video sessions and respect participants’ privacy and autonomy throughout the testing process.
- Adapting Testing Techniques: Traditional user testing methods may need to be adapted to accommodate participants living with disabilities:
- Provide multiple modes of interaction: Offer flexibility in how participants can interact with the interface, including voice commands, keyboard shortcuts, or gestures.
- Incorporate assistive technologies: Allow participants to use their preferred assistive technologies, such as screen readers or magnification software, during the testing session.
- Use task-based testing: Structure testing scenarios around realistic tasks to observe how participants navigate the interface and accomplish goals.
- Analysing and Interpreting Insights: Analysing video user testing data requires sensitivity to the unique experiences and challenges faced by participants living with disabilities:
- Focus on qualitative insights: Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, emotions, and feedback provided by participants during the testing session.
- Identify accessibility barriers: Note any accessibility barriers encountered by participants and prioritise improvements to enhance usability for all users.
- Involve stakeholders: Share video clips or highlights from testing sessions with stakeholders to foster empathy and understanding of users’ experiences.
