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Summary
Ever heard that accessibility research is too expensive? Too time-consuming? Or that you need a massive sample size to see real insights? These misconceptions stop too many UX researchers from taking the first step toward inclusive design. But here’s the truth: accessibility research is often simpler, faster, and more impactful than you think. In this interactive session, Samuel Proulx, Accessibility Evangelist at Fable, will demonstrate the actual reality behind the biggest myths that hold teams back, through a hands-on look at what accessibility research actually looks like. You’ll experience a real research interview with an assistive technology user and gain practical insights into how Fable’s UX researchers prepare for and conduct accessibility studies. By the end of this session, you’ll see that getting started doesn’t require a huge budget, complex logistics, or a massive sample size, just the willingness to take the first step. Join us to demystify accessibility research and leave empowered to integrate it into your own work.
Key Insights
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Accessibility research is essential for improving user experiences for people with disabilities.
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Effective headings help screen reader users navigate content more easily.
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Alt text should provide meaningful descriptions beyond basic labels.
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Participants in research should be encouraged to speak aloud their thoughts and experiences.
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A relaxed and informal atmosphere can yield better participant feedback during research sessions.
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Research protocols are vital to structure sessions and capture insights effectively.
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Engagement from researchers during sessions includes acknowledging participant feedback with verbal cues.
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Ongoing accessibility research is necessary as products evolve over time.
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Participants often appreciate the opportunity to guide researchers in understanding their experiences.
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Humor and personable interactions can ease tensions and improve communication during research.
Notable Quotes
"I'm Sam Pru, the Accessibility Evangelist here at Fable."
"Today we are going to be diving into not the why of doing research involving people with disabilities, we're gonna be diving into the how."
"The mindset I'm jumping into with these sessions is to assess usability and accessibility."
"There are no right or wrong answers in this session."
"I wish the alt text said more than just organic ginger."
"When I'm shopping online, I tend to use the store's website a little bit less often."
"It's more important for me that you're comfortable than anything else."
"When heading structure isn't how you expect it to be, it impacts your ability to navigate the page well."
"Participants who are in this kind of study know what they've signed up for and are happy to answer questions."
"Flexibility in research sessions allows for deeper understanding of user experiences."
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