Understanding and Designing for Neurodiversity: My Journey with ADHD
I knew I was a bit different when I was in school. I did well academically, so it wasn’t immediately obvious that I had ADHD, which I was diagnosed with in my late twenties. As a child, everything seemed normal because I was doing well in exams, but I struggled to make friends and had difficulty understanding what teachers said. Concentrating and focusing were always challenging for me, and I had to put in extra hours of self-study to keep up.
I often got distracted, especially by sounds. Even now, when someone chews, it’s unbearable. Small changes, like listening to music while doing tasks, helped me focus. I kept my space clutter-free to keep my mind clear and found that soft, yellow ambient lighting was calming. Noticing patterns came naturally to me, but reading wasn’t my first choice, so I made my notes graphic and visual, which helped me remember things much faster.
As someone who now designs accessible websites, I ensure my designs cater to needs like mine. There are many neurodivergent people, each with different needs, but my designs are based on my experiences with ADHD.
Here are some principles I apply:
Noise
- Avoid Autoplaying Videos: Do you encounter autoplaying videos? I encountered one and it took me a while to understand where the sound was coming from and its location on the page. I understand that some videos engage users, but make sure never to set them to play automatically on your site.
- Minimize Distractions: People with ADHD constantly change from one task to another, so avoid distractions. If you’re trying to read a webpage, loud videos and flashing animated content probably won’t help you concentrate.
Clutter
- Reduce Visual Noise: Too much information is overwhelming. Too much visual noise can be overwhelming too, so reduce clutter on the page. If there is something that confuses the user and doesn’t take them to a single destination, it should be reconsidered.
- For example, if you have a long form, consider dividing it into multiple tabs. This gives a sense of relief when you finish one section and move to the next, making the process more relaxed.
- Neurodivergent brains often appreciate a sense of order. We love to organize systematically. This approach is particularly useful for people with ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurocognitive conditions, but once again, every user benefits.
Light
- Use Calming Tones: Like I mentioned earlier, I hated bright light. My friends even used to call me a vampire. Little did I know that people with ADHD, as well as many autistic and other neurodiverse people like me, are sensitive to stimulation. Bright shades might be overwhelming. Go for neutral tones because of their calming effect.
- To check Color Contrast you can download the Digitala11y color contrast checker Chrome Extension.
Content
- Keep It Simple: Avoid fancy jargon and keep your language simple and concise. Use unambiguous phrasing and ensure the reading level is accessible to the average person.
- Provide Clear Instructions: If a form field requires data in a specific format (e.g., “day/month/year”), provide examples at the beginning of the form.
- Predictable Design: Ensure your website’s design is predictable, with a clear hierarchy in text and navigation. This helps users with ADHD who can be impulsive. Yes, we act before we think.
- Avoid Automatic Form Submissions: A web form that submits automatically without notifying the user can be very frustrating. Always notify the user before submitting because if it doesn’t, it’s endgame for people with ADHD.
Other Considerations
- Avoid Time Limits: If your site requires actions to be completed within a certain time frame, give ample time or allow users to disable timers. This reduces stress for users with ADHD.
- Allow Personalization: Implement features like a “reading mode” or options to change text size and contrast to make the site more comfortable. Providing customization options is crucial as individuals respond differently.
Remember, digital accessibility isn’t just about accommodating users with hearing or vision disabilities; neurocognitive differences are a significant part of the conversation. By considering these principles, we can create more inclusive and accessible digital experiences for everyone.
Related Reads
- Designing For Neurodiversity Resources Roundup
- Navigating the Night: How Shift Work Creates Situational Cognitive Disability in Job Hunting
