Ability-Based Design

A design paradigm for accessible technology introduced by Jacob Wobbrock and colleagues that emphasizes adapting systems to meet users' abilities rather than requiring users to adapt to systems. Ability-based design applies "design-for-one" strategies universally, positioning technology to take on the labor of customization with minimal disruption to the user. The approach is grounded in seven principles that guide designers to focus on what users can do rather than what they cannot, and to leverage sensing and adaptation to create interfaces that work for each individual.