Analysis of User Experience Evaluation Methods for Deaf users: A Case Study on a mobile App

TL;DR

This study analyzes existing UX evaluation methods for Deaf users, highlighting their limitations and emphasizing the need for adaptations to accurately assess Deaf users' experiences with mobile apps.

Contribution

It provides a validation of current UX methods for Deaf users and identifies specific limitations, proposing the necessity for tailored evaluation approaches.

Findings

Current methods have significant limitations for Deaf users.

Many evaluation methods are not fully accessible or effective for Deaf individuals.

Adaptations are necessary to improve accuracy in assessing Deaf users' experiences.

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.