Accesible Smart Home Device

User Experience

2024

The Accessible Smart Home Device project aimed to analyze and enhance the usability of a voice-activated interface for individuals with disabilities. Using personas representing a visually impaired user and a motor-impaired user, I identified key accessibility challenges such as the lack of tactile feedback, complex voice menu navigation, and the reliance on physical buttons during setup.

CONTEXT

This project focuses on evaluating and improving the accessibility of a voice-activated smart home device as part of an assignment to design for inclusivity. By analyzing the challenges faced by users with disabilities—specifically a visually impaired user and a motor-impaired user—I identified accessibility gaps and proposed thoughtful solutions based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2. Through user-centered design, this project demonstrates my ability to address diverse user needs and deliver innovative solutions to create more inclusive technology.

RESEARCH

For this project, I focused on understanding the needs of users with disabilities by creating two personas: a visually impaired user and a motor-impaired user. Using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, I evaluated the device’s usability, identifying key challenges like lack of tactile feedback and reliance on physical controls. I also researched existing tools, such as haptic feedback and adaptive switches, to inspire practical and inclusive solutions. This process helped me design improvements tailored to real user needs.

CONCLUSION

This project opened my eyes to the detailed accessibility challenges users face when using voice-activated technology. It showed me the critical importance of designing for diverse needs in non-traditional interfaces, where accessible options are often limited. By focusing on user diversity, I saw how multi-sensory feedback and adaptive control options are essential for creating usable and inclusive devices. This project helped me understand that accessibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept and reminded me of the importance of prioritizing inclusivity in UX design.