THE CHALLENGE
Any tool, no matter how secure, leaves users vulnerable if it is too difficult to use. Many of the most popular and most critical open source security and privacy tools are maintained and updated by small tool teams with limited exposure to the specific profiles and needs of at-risk users. Though tools exist to mitigate security challenges in difficult contexts, usability and accessibility roadblocks oftentimes prevent users from easily adopting them.
THE USABLE RESPONSE
By connecting at-risk individuals and organizations around the world with open source tool developers, the USABLE project allows vulnerable communities to have a voice in the development process of the tools they rely on. With more localized and usable tools, these individuals and organizations will be better equipped to respond to the digital threats they face. The USABLE project aims to change the ecosystem of open source privacy and security tools being used by at-risk communities by ingraining human centered design approaches into development processes and providing support to tool teams.
DIGITAL SECURITY TRAINERS
Security trainer communities around the globe are uniquely positioned to bridge high risk civil society groups and tool developers. We upskill and support trainers so they are able to accurately capture, prioritize, and share usability and accessibility challenges and recommendations with tool developers.
OPEN SOURCE TOOL DEVELOPERS
We support open source tool developers by providing critical feedback from at-risk users, introductions to leading user experience and design experts, and direct support to implement usability and accessibility enhancements to open source privacy and security tools.
USER EXPERIENCE AND DESIGN EXPERTS
We partner with leading usability and accessibility experts, connecting them with relevant open source tool teams seeking guidance or support on usability and accessibility enhancements.
Since 2015, USABLE has facilitated these feedback loops across the globe through trainings, convenings, and small grant support.