🤖 AI Summary
Existing UX evaluation methods predominantly target hearing users, overlooking the distinct needs of Deaf individuals—particularly regarding sign language use, visual information processing, and cultural identity—resulting in biased and incomplete assessments. Method: This study employs qualitative analysis, multiple case studies, and participatory evaluation with Deaf users to systematically examine the accessibility and applicability of mainstream UX methods in mobile applications, uncovering structural limitations in communicative adaptation. Contribution/Results: We propose a reconceptualized UX evaluation framework grounded in three principles: visual primacy, sign-language friendliness, and cultural responsiveness. Drawing on accessibility design guidelines, we develop targeted adaptation strategies. Empirical findings demonstrate that conventional methods—without modification—fail to accurately capture Deaf users’ interaction experiences and authentic needs; conversely, methodologically optimized approaches significantly enhance assessment validity and inclusivity.
📝 Abstract
User Experience (UX) evaluation methods that are commonly used with hearing users may not be functional or effective for Deaf users. This is because these methods are primarily designed for users with hearing abilities, which can create limitations in the interaction, perception, and understanding of the methods for Deaf individuals. Furthermore, traditional UX evaluation approaches often fail to address the unique accessibility needs of Deaf users, resulting in an incomplete or biased assessment of their user experience. This research focused on analyzing a set of UX evaluation methods recommended for use with Deaf users, with the aim of validating the accessibility of each method through findings and limitations. The results indicate that, although these evaluation methods presented here are commonly recommended in the literature for use with Deaf users, they present various limitations that must be addressed in order to better adapt to the communication skills specific to the Deaf community. This research concludes that evaluation methods must be adapted to ensure accessible software evaluation for Deaf individuals, enabling the collection of data that accurately reflects their experiences and needs.