The Abyssinian Crisis validated carrier requirements

Did the Abyssinian Crisis reshape British carrier design, or is its influence overstated?

It mainly validated and funded requirements already emerging from exercises and design studies rather than creating a new design direction.

Operational strain during the Abyssinian Crisis demonstrated the value of mobile aviation and forward support. Carrier aircraft could be moved with their sea base, while long-range bombers still depended on prepared airfields and substantial infrastructure. The crisis also exposed aircraft attrition and maintenance demands under conditions approaching active operations. It therefore strengthened the procurement case for decisions already emerging from exercises and design studies rather than abruptly redirecting carrier development.