Sense of Agency
Also known as: User Agency, Personal Agency
The subjective experience of being in control of one's own actions and their effects on the external world. In accessible design, supporting sense of agency means ensuring users feel empowered to make choices, initiate interactions, and influence outcomes rather than being passive recipients of predetermined experiences. This is especially important for users with disabilities who may have limited autonomy in other aspects of daily life. Design that supports agency includes customization options, clear cause-and-effect relationships, and user control over timing and pacing.
Category: user experience · cognitive accessibility · inclusive design
Related: User Autonomy · Self-Determination · Choice Architecture