Accessibility isn’t an afterthought for us – it’s built into our process from the beginning.
We’ve set a target that every user research round must include at least one participant with access needs, whether cognitive, visual, physical or auditory. This approach is crucial because it allows us to identify potential barriers early in development.
More importantly, it ensures the NHS App genuinely works for all our users. When accessibility is woven into every stage of development, we create a more inclusive service that benefits everyone, including those who may not identify as having an access need but still gain from clearer navigation, simpler language, and more intuitive design.
Currently, we’re conducting research with people who have rheumatoid arthritis, in collaboration with the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), as they may struggle with the dexterity required for certain touch interactions on a smartphone.
We also have upcoming sessions planned with the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) and individuals with users who are blind or partially sighted. Our screening processes and surveys are specifically designed to identify participants with diverse accessibility requirements.
