Proxy Feedback

A user research method in which feedback on designs or prototypes is gathered from people who are close to the target users — such as carers, therapists, family members, or support workers — rather than from the users themselves. This approach is used when direct communication with the target population is difficult due to cognitive, linguistic, or other impairments. While proxy feedback provides valuable insights from people with hands-on experience of the users' needs and abilities, it introduces a layer of interpretation and may not fully capture the preferences and experiences of the end users. It is commonly used in accessibility research involving people with aphasia, severe cognitive impairments, or complex communication needs.