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A Pool of Representative Users for Accessibility Research: Seeing through the Eyes of the Users

Published:13 January 2016Publication History
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Abstract

A critical element of accessibility research is the exploration and evaluation of ideas with representative users. However, it is often difficult to recruit such a range of users, particularly in a timely manner, nor is it easy for new researchers to understand how to recruit relevant populations or feel confident in communicating with older or “vulnerable” users. We report on the establishment of a large user pool created to facilitate accessibility research through recruiting sizeable numbers of older adults potentially interested in taking part in research studies about technology. We suggest points to guide new researchers and invite other experts to build on these. We also sketch some of the lessons learned from creating and maintaining this pool of individuals, including thoughts on issues for others wishing to set up similar pools.

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          • Published in

            cover image ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing
            ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing  Volume 8, Issue 1
            Special Issue (Part 1) of Papers from ASSETS 2014
            January 2016
            82 pages
            ISSN:1936-7228
            EISSN:1936-7236
            DOI:10.1145/2878808
            Issue’s Table of Contents

            Copyright © 2016 ACM

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            Publication History

            • Published: 13 January 2016
            • Accepted: 1 November 2015
            • Revised: 1 October 2015
            • Received: 1 March 2015
            Published in taccess Volume 8, Issue 1

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