Improvisation

In the context of accessibility research and design, improvisation refers to the practice of creatively adapting plans and methods in response to unexpected circumstances, defined as "a creative act composed without prior thought." When conducting participatory research with people with disabilities, improvisation is often necessary because rigid protocols may not accommodate the unpredictable realities of participants' lives, health conditions, or external factors like pandemic restrictions. Effective improvisation in design research involves maintaining core research goals while flexibly adjusting logistics, methods, locations, and timelines.