Community-led User Experience Testing
Background
We are honoured to have received recent enquiries from music technology developers, and arts organisations seeking advice on ways to make their projects, programmes, and content more accessible. We are aware that many of our members have valuable lived experience and may be keen to help create a more inclusive industry.
Following our recent ‘Access Through Collaboration’ research, beginning in June 2026, we are excited to be piloting three ways to support product developers and arts organisations to connect with individuals who can provide real-world user feedback on accessibility.
Please use the sections below to explore how we can support with open and closed user experience testing, as well as accessibility consultancy services.
Get involved
Overview
We have created a private Google Group for community members and developers to connect. No secrecy or gatekeeping – just a space to facilitate open collaboration towards better accessibility. Moderated by the Sound Without Sight team but driven by community.
Suitable for:
- Gathering or providing casual user feedback for products already released or announced;
- Open source / academic / indie projects;
- Projects that aren’t critically time-sensitive;
- A wide range of backgrounds and experience levels;
- Gaining experience as a tester.
Cost
Completely free for both developers and testers. We recommend that developers compensate testers in some way.
Get started
Overview
Want to gain or provide feedback on projects that haven’t yet been publicly announced? We recognise that a more targeted, invite-only approach can be effective in some cases. We will act as match-maker between projects and lived experience within our membership.
Suitable for:
- Commercial projects requiring an NDA;
- Non-commercial projects requiring a specific profile of tester;
- Testers who use assistive technology on a daily basis, and who have some experience of providing user feedback.
For developers and organisations:
Share a tester spec with us, pitched to specific roles and experience levels, and let us approach a number of our members on your behalf.
We can either play an ongoing role in bridging relationships and collating feedback, or connect you and sit back.
Cost: Administration fee applies, depending on scale of work. Compensation for testers mandatory, e.g.: access to products upon release, vouchers, etc.
For community members:
Opt in to receive invitations to closed, private tests. Receive compensation for your time, e.g.: access to products, vouchers. Free for blind or partially sighted members.
Cost: None.
Overview
Work with the Sound Without Sight team and experienced, peer-vetted freelance accessibility consultants to gain precise, in-depth feedback and evolve accessibility within your project.
Suitable for:
- Co-design and/or technical collaboration with experienced consultants;
- In-depth one-to-one testing sessions;
- Rapid feedback on new builds.
Cost
Industry consultancy rates, depending on scale of project. Contact us to discuss your project.
Get started
