The Lifelong Expert
Deeply experienced with accessibility systems and assistive technology. Often more proficient than designers or developers and frustrated by systems that ignore expected conventions.
"I've always used tech differently. I just wish teams would design with that in mind from the start."
Disability Characteristics
- Duration
- Whether the disability is lifelong or momentary (e.g. chronic illness vs. situational).
- Range: Temporary to Permanent
- Current value: Permanent
- Progression
- Whether the disability remains the same or changes over time (fluctuation, deterioration, remission).
- Range: Static to Dynamic
- Current value: Static
- Origin
- Whether the disability was present at birth or developed later in life.
- Range: Congenital to Acquired
- Current value: Congenital
- Support System Access
- Access to assistive technology, services, caregivers, or community support.
- Range: Low Support to High Support
- Current value: High Support
Design Considerations
- Prioritize configurability and efficiency
- Avoid overriding expected interaction patterns (e.g. button roles, tab order)
- Minimize verbosity, use clear and direct language
- Prioritize efficiency over handholding
- Allow expert-level shortcuts and direct access to controls