Overheard a guy at the library mention 'focus groups' and I totally get it now

I used to think making sites accessible was just about adding alt text and checking contrast ratios. Then I sat near someone at the Seattle Public Library who talked about testing their app with people who have dyslexia. He mentioned that real users caught issues like confusing button labels that no checklist would find. Has anyone else tried running a small usability test with just 3 or 4 people from the disability community?

2 comments

2 Comments

miles_roberts2212d ago

But isn't it risky to base design changes on just a few people's feedback?

nora73512d ago

Oh for sure, "just a few people's feedback" is EXACTLY the problem. I've seen this happen way too many times where one loud voice in a forum or a few comments on social media makes a company think everyone wants something, but it's just a tiny, vocal group. I've had the same experience myself where I was in a beta test for an app, gave super specific feedback about a feature I hated, and then the next update they changed it just for me basically. It was SO frustrating because I knew I wasn't the main user base, but they acted like I was. It's like they can't tell the difference between real, broad demand and a passionate minority. So yeah, totally risky and honestly kind of lazy design if you ask me.