Designing for Neurodiversity

It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people (more than 15% of people in the UK) are neurodivergent. Neurodiversity refers to the different ways that our wonderful brains can work and interpret information. It highlights that people are unique, and so the way that we think, process information, and communicate also tends to be different.

WCAG 2.2 is out with a clear emphasis on improving digital spaces for neurodiverse people, yet covering the varied needs of this diverse user group is difficult to do with guidelines alone. This results in these needs being overlooked. Neurodiverse individuals, including those with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and aphasia, face unique challenges when interacting with websites and mobile applications. Additionally, implementing simple design decisions that improve experiences for neurodiverse needs, actually improves the experience for a wide spectrum of people due to its focus on simplicity and consistency.

In this article we have outlined a number of things for you to consider as you design for a more inclusive experience. They may seem simple, but they will make a significant difference!

Fonts:

Font choices are typically influenced primarily by aesthetics and less so functionality. However, it’s important to prioritize clarity over style, especially when catering to neurodiverse individuals. Opting for sans-serif fonts is beneficial for those with dyslexia and dyscalculia, as these fonts lack the decorative strokes that can make letter recognition and distinction tricky.

Font hierarchy is another consideration that plays a large role in the way we absorb and organise the information we see on a page. Clearly distinguishing between headings, subheadings, and body text through size, weight, and colour helps users with neurodiverse needs process information more efficiently. Getting this right aids in reducing cognitive load and enhancing overall readability.

Retention time, fatigue, and distractibility:

Some neurodiverse people may experience challenges related to attention, retention, and cognitive fatigue. Maintaining a balanced visual hierarchy, avoiding excessive use of animations, and providing options to control the pacing of content delivery can significantly improve the experience when landing on a page and also increase follow through if there was an intended action on a page like a purchase or sign up to a service. Busy pages with too much content and too many options that aren’t necessary can lead to distress and users neglecting a task because it’s just too overwhelming. Keep it simple.

Reducing cognitive load through simple designs:

Recognizable shapes, straightforward layouts, and minimalistic aesthetics contribute to a reduction in cognitive load. When it comes to buttons, links, notifications and other common repeatable components, make sure there is consistency in their appearance and that they aren’t too wild and out there in terms of shape. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as dyslexia, where complex designs can lead to visual confusion and information processing difficulties.

Colour considerations:

Colour choices go beyond aesthetics; they can significantly impact the usability of a website or app. High contrast between text and background enhances readability and decreases cognitive fatigue. However, it’s essential to strike a balance, as overly high contrast can also contribute to eye strain. Allowing users to adjust colour settings based on their preferences is important, as many people have different requirements regarding what works for them.

Incorporating neurodiversity-friendly design decisions actually improves the experience for everyone. Whether or not you have neurodiverse needs and encounter barriers due to the conditions we’ve mentioned above, we all benefit from not feeling cognitive overwhelm and overload.