Sara Weir
Sara Weir
Advisory UX Innovation Researcher @ Lenovo
I am a mixed-methods researcher and storyteller with a background in data and design. At Lenovo, I work to develop new concepts for products, services, and experiences that can positively impact customers and end-users. My work focuses on sustainability and accessibility solutions. What I love most about my role is that I get to bring end-users into the design and research process to co-create solutions, which builds empathy and understanding (and cool products). Outside of work, I consider myself an amateur world traveler and love to explore new places. I can always find a new home DIY project to keep busy. And if I am not doing any of those things, you can find me taking pictures of my dog Roux. Please reach out to learn more about any of my most recent projects or adventures!
Centering the Edge Case: Designing for People Your Data Doesn’t See
Individuals with disabilities are often considered outliers or edge cases in product development, mistakenly represented as a small target user group. This often leads to accessibility not being included in standard UX research and design processes and leading to designers missing key user needs and opportunities for innovation. But what if we designed with differences in mind? Centering edge cases at the heart of design and research processes can result in creating experiences that solve problems not only for specific users with disabilities but for the greater population as well. Ultimately if users with disabilities are included in the process from the beginning as co-creators and experts in their lived experiences teams can create experiences with more impact, value and scale.