Kausalya Ganesh, Cisco Systems, Inc
In the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, ensuring that security products are robust and accessible is crucial. Failing to design an inclusive cybersecurity product can lead to significant barriers and security risks not only for people with disabilities but for everyone. This talk delves into the crucial role of engaging people with disabilities in qualitative research to design truly secure security products for enterprise customers.
We will explore how involving people with disabilities in qualitative research can influence the design of enterprise security products. Past research has underscored the need for accessibility and usability as part of security requirements for effective risk management. This presentation outlines how to equip teams with the knowledge and structure to engage assistive technology users throughout the product development lifecycle. We must rethink security design—not just as a technical capability but as something that emerges from diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
Embracing inclusivity in research and design processes allows us to create security solutions that are not only robust and reliable but also accessible and user-friendly for everyone. This approach is the future of security product development, fostering trust and loyalty among a broader user base and ultimately delivering a differentiated user experience.
Kausalya (Kaush) Ganesh is a Lead Design Researcher specializing in human-centered research at the intersection of accessibility, security, and AI. With a background spanning academic research on inclusive design, a past career in tech marketing, and an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her work. Kaush enjoys coaching emerging researchers and helping them navigate the field. When she's not engaged in research, you'll find her walking her dogs, immersed in a podcast or audiobook.
