Ability Spectrum Mapping

Map how a feature performs across the full range of human ability — from full capability to no capability in each dimension — to identify where the design starts to break down and who gets excluded.

Why a Spectrum

Accessibility is not binary. It's not "can see" vs "blind." The reality is a continuous spectrum:

• Full vision → needs glasses → low vision → legally blind → no vision
• Full hearing → mild loss → moderate loss → severe loss → deaf
• Full dexterity → mild tremor → limited range → single hand → no hands
• Full cognition → mild difficulty → moderate difficulty → significant support needs

Products don't go from "works" to "doesn't work" in a single step. They degrade gradually. The spectrum map shows you exactly where your design starts failing and for whom.