Conducting user research within regulations

Government user research operates under specific rules about privacy, accessibility, and data handling. While these requirements might seem limiting, they help create more ethical and inclusive research.

Research in government follows specific regulations:

• Privacy rules: Careful handling of personal information and health data
• Accessibility requirements: Including people with disabilities in research
• Information collection policies: Following proper procedures for gathering public input (such as the US Paperwork Reduction Act or Canada's Tri-Council Policy Statement for research with humans)
• Communication standards: Using clear language in all research materials^[1]

These requirements actually help create better research by ensuring we include diverse participants and protect sensitive information. Instead of seeing them as barriers, treat them as tools for more inclusive research.