Characterising user capabilities to support inclusive design evaluation

The paper develops ways to characterise user capabilities for inclusive-design evaluation. It contributes to EDI by providing a more differentiated account of people than binary categories such as disabled/non-disabled. Physical, sensory and cognitive capabilities can vary across individuals and situations, and designs create demands along the same dimensions. Making this relationship explicit helps practitioners locate barriers and compare alternatives. This is important because broad demographic labels often provide little guidance for design and can reproduce stereotypes. At the same time, capability profiles should not replace direct engagement or be treated as complete identities. The contribution is most powerful when used as one layer of evidence within a participatory process, combining systematic evaluation with contextual and lived knowledge.