User testing
This handbook was written to help anyone start with accessibility testing and be good at it. Still, the most valuable insight will come from our users.
People living with any form of disability, the elderly, and people who use assistive technologies – are the ones that can help truly assess how accessible our app is. They are the best teachers for accessibility testing, and we should try to include them as much as possible in our testing strategies. There are a few things to keep in mind when starting with accessibility user testing:
A11y user testing should start when other tests have passed – we don’t want the users to struggle with other everyday bugs.
We should include people with all types of disabilities: Motor, Vision, Hearing, and Cognitive. All of these types have subtypes – for example; it is not the same if the person is blind or color-blind.
Which assistive technologies do we want to test against?
To find users who can test your app, Android suggests using methods such as the following:
- Reach out to local organizations, colleges, or universities that provide training for people with disabilities.
- Ask your social circle. There might be people with disabilities who are willing to help.
- Ask a user testing service (such as usertesting.com) if they can test your app and include users with disabilities.
- Join an accessibility forum, such as Accessibility or Eyes-free, and ask for volunteers to try your app.
Additional reading: