Aglet

Investigate an Accessibility Barrier in Discovery

An accessibility barrier may arise from content, interaction, device, timing, environment, or the research setup. Investigate the complete task with the participant's chosen method, then compare where the path changes. Keep the participant's strategy and requested adaptation visible throughout analysis.

Build a useful investigation brief

  1. Observe the chosen path

    Run the task with the participant's normal device, assistive technology, input method, or support arrangement. Record focus, announcements, target size, timing, comprehension, recovery, and workarounds. Do not alter the setup to make a faster path.

  2. Compare interaction conditions

    Review the same outcome through standard and adapted paths when appropriate. Identify which differences come from the product, content, browser, device, or environment. Ask the participant to explain the barrier after observing the behavior.

  3. Test the boundary

    Change one content or interaction condition and repeat the relevant step. Check whether the barrier persists or shifts. Consider unfamiliarity and study fatigue as alternatives, but do not use them to dismiss a consistent access issue.

What to carry forward

The investigation brief should preserve access context, task trace, participant explanation, comparison, and tested change. End with a bounded barrier finding or a follow-up study. Do not generalize from one assistive setup to every disabled user.

Technical background: GOV.UK user research guidance.

Keep the decision with the work.

Use a Work Item in Aglet to record the problem, the evidence you have, and the next decision. Add an owner and priority, then keep updates in the discussion so the next person can follow the reasoning.

Create an account See the product workflow