Putting the ‘us’ in usability
Technology is changing our cities like never before, but too often that technology is conceived, designed, and tested in a way that excludes broad swaths of society.
GRIT Toronto offers a usability testing service which connects technology creators from the private, public and nonprofit sectors with diverse and underrepresented communities in the city.
Inspired by successful initiatives in Chicago and New York, Civic Hall Toronto and Code for Canada launched GRIT (Gathering Residents to Improve Technology) Toronto in 2018. The program facilitates better, more inclusive and accessible usability testing that engages residents in the creation of the technology that’s meant to serve them.
The ‘people-first’ approach of GRIT Toronto guides everything we do, from how we co-create strategies and materials with our clients, to how we deliver a strong, positive participant experience. We are keen on making sure all voices are included in the design of technology, especially those from marginalized communities.
GRIT is available as a service to Civic Hall Toronto members, as well as anyone who wants to validate their products with a diverse and representative group of local residents.
Engage GRIT to build better products
Help shape tech in Toronto
Why GRIT Toronto is unique
One question we’ve been getting a lot lately is, “how is GRIT different from traditional market research firms?” To us, the answer is simple: it’s all about people.
Real residents
Respect & accommodation
Real relationships
Building capacity
Privacy is paramount
GRIT Toronto is committed to operating in a way that respects testers’ privacy and their right to know, understand and control how their data is used.
Learn how we handle data
Visit our Data & Privacy page to learn exactly how GRIT Toronto deals with user data, and view our detailed privacy impact assessment.