Today was one of those long but fulfilling days that leave you both tired and satisfied. I’ve been an accessibility tester for Google for the past seven years, and while most user studies are typically around one hour long, today was a special case—a full seven-hour study at the Mountain View offices.
For those who may not be familiar, an accessibility tester ensures that products or software are accessible to everyone, especially individuals who rely on assistive technologies. This includes making sure the app or product can be used by people who are blind or have low vision, like myself. We often use screen readers—programs that read aloud everything on your phone or computer screen. My job is to ensure that apps can be easily navigated and understood by screen readers, and that the overall experience is smooth and user-friendly for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
We left the house early, anticipating the usual rush-hour traffic. It took us about two and a half hours to get there. Despite the early start, I was looking forward to the change of pace. The study itself was an insightful experience. While I can’t share any details due to non-disclosure agreements, it was wonderful to meet the team and other testers, discussing the challenges and possibilities in our area of focus.
After two busy hours of discussion, we were treated to a delicious Mediterranean lunch. There were so many dishes to choose from, and it gave us all a much-needed break before diving back into another four hours of deep work.
By the end of the day, I was exhausted but satisfied with everything we accomplished. I thanked everyone for the experience and met up with Ahmed and the girls, who were waiting for me outside.
Now, about the ride home—I wasn’t particularly looking forward to it. I had hoped we could stay around the area for a bit to avoid traffic, but Ahmed had other plans and wanted to get on the road. Three long hours later, we finally made it home! Luckily, we had ordered shawarmas on the way, and they arrived just as we walked through the door—perfect timing!
Of course, no day is complete without the bedtime rush. After getting the girls ready for bed and settling everyone down, I had a moment to reflect. It was a good day—a long one, but one I’m grateful for.
Thanks for reading, and take care!
The Dappled Odysseys 