Validation of Persona Simulation

Can we recreate the challenges faced by people with disabilities and different health conditions in digital solutions through persona simulation? And how reliable is this compared to testing with real users?

These are some of the questions explored in this project. In this context, persona simulation means taking on digital roles as fictional—but realistic—users with disabilities. For example:

• a person with low vision who struggles with poor contrast and small text sizes
• a person with tremors who has difficulty using small clickable elements
• a person experiencing fatigue or “brain fog” who loses overview in long and complex forms

This simulation method can be useful when testing with real users is costly, time-consuming, or difficult to carry out early in the development process.

In the project, we conduct such simulations in a systematic and research-based manner. We then compare:

• which issues are identified through simulation
• which issues real users actually encounter in usability testing

The goal is to understand how well simulation reflects real-world user experiences.

At the same time, we examine the costs of the two approaches. How much time and resources do they require? And what do you gain in terms of insights? This forms the basis for a simplified cost–benefit analysis.

The project is part of our broader work to develop more efficient methods for creating inclusive digital solutions—without compromising the quality of insights.

To learn more about this project, get in touch.: