Creating Neurodiverse-Friendly Web Design

We believe that designing neurodiverse-friendly software solutions is a must-do for all companies. Why? Because this way, you not only make your website or app accessible for users with special needs — you make it easier to navigate for EVERYONE.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain function, including conditions like autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and others. These neurological differences affect how individuals perceive, process, and interact with digital environments.

According to the British Medical Bulletin, neurodivergent individuals make up approximately 15-20% of the global population. That's a significant portion of your potential users whose experiences may vastly differ from what traditional design approaches assume.

The business case for neurodiverse-friendly design is compelling: more accessible websites reach larger audiences, reduce user frustration, increase conversion rates, and often create better experiences for all users, not just those with specific needs. As our understanding of human cognition continues to evolve, so too should our approach to creating digital spaces that work for everyone.

Understanding Different Neurological Processing Styles

To create genuinely inclusive digital experiences, we must first understand how neurological differences affect how users interact with websites and applications.

Neurodivergent individuals often process visual information differently. For example:

Autistic users may focus intensely on details while missing the broader context
ADHD users might be easily distracted by moving elements or complex visuals
Dyslexic users can struggle with specific fonts, text layouts, and colour combinations
Some users may experience visual stress from high-contrast designs or certain colour combinations

Sensory Sensitivities

Many neurodivergent individuals experience heightened sensory sensitivity, which can make certain web elements physically uncomfortable or overwhelming:

Flashing animations can trigger migraines or epileptic episodes
Auto-playing videos with sound can cause sensory overload
Bright colours or high contrast may create visual strain
Complex layouts with many competing elements can be overwhelming

Executive Function Challenges

Executive function—the cognitive processes that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks—can be challenging for some neurodivergent individuals:

Navigation that requires memorising pathways
Complex multi-step processes without clear guidance
Forms with time limits or without save options
Hidden features that rely on discovery
Interfaces that don't provide clear feedback on user actions

Processing Speed and Attention Differences

Information processing speed and attention patterns vary considerably:

Some users need more time to absorb information before making decisions
Others may process information quickly but struggle with sustained attention
Many need to approach content in smaller, manageable chunks
Some may hyperfocus on interesting elements while missing others

Core Principles of Neurodiverse-Friendly Web Design

Logical and Direct Content Flow

Creating predictable, straightforward content structures helps all users, but is particularly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals:

Clear Information Architecture

Implement logical hierarchies that reflect how information relates
Group related items together consistently
Create predictable patterns that users can learn and expect

Straightforward Language

Avoid jargon, idioms, and ambiguous wording
Use direct language that states precisely what you mean
Consider providing definitions for necessary technical terms
Break complex ideas into simpler components

Consistency in Design

Maintain consistent layouts across pages
Use the same interaction patterns throughout the site
Keep navigation in the same place on every page
Ensure buttons and controls look and behave predictably

Progressive Disclosure

Present information in digestible chunks
Reveal details progressively as users need them
Allow users to control how much information they see at once
Provide clear summaries before detailed content

Control Motion and Animation

Allow users to stop or pause any animation
Avoid auto-playing videos and animations
Ensure no content moves faster than 5 seconds per cycle
Consider using the prefers-reduced-motion media query to respect system settings

Purposeful Animation

Use animation only when it serves a clear purpose
Ensure animations enhance rather than distract from content
Keep animations subtle and controlled
Consider whether the animation conveys necessary information or is purely decorative

Reducing Visual Clutter

Limit the number of elements competing for attention
Create a clear visual hierarchy to guide focus
Use white space strategically to separate elements
Remove purely decorative elements that don't add informational value

Creating Visual Calm

Implement generous margins and padding
Group related elements with consistent spacing
Align elements to create visual order
Limit the number of fonts, colours, and styles

Colour Contrast Best Practices

Ensure text has sufficient contrast with backgrounds (WCAG 2.1 AA minimum - Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
Don't rely solely on colour to convey information
Provide additional visual cues (icons, patterns, text) alongside colour
Test designs in grayscale to ensure they work without colour

Neurodiverse-Friendly Colour Palettes

Consider using softer, less saturated colour schemes
Avoid combinations known to cause visual stress (e.g., red text on blue backgrounds)
Create harmonious colour relationships rather than jarring contrasts
Consider offering alternative colour modes (light, dark, reduced contrast)

Font Readability

Use sans-serif fonts for body text (Arial, Verdana, Open Sans)
Maintain adequate line spacing (1.5x recommended)
Keep line lengths moderate (50-75 characters per line)
Ensure text can be resized without breaking layouts
Consider offering specialised fonts for dyslexic users

White Space Utilisation

Use generous spacing between paragraphs
Create breathing room around essential elements
Avoid cramming too much information into small spaces
Allow the content room to be comfortably scanned

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Help your users find what they are looking for

Helping users understand where they are and how to get where they want to go is crucial:

Structured Menus

Create clear hierarchies that reflect site structure
Limit the number of top-level navigation items
Use descriptive labels that clearly indicate the destination
Consider expanding menus that don't require hover actions

Effective Search Functionality

Make the search prominent and available from all pages
Support different search strategies (keywords, natural language)
Implement an error-tolerant search that handles typos
Provide helpful, organised search results

Breadcrumbs and Orientation Tools

Show users their current location within the site structure
Provide visual indicators of the current page in navigation
Use breadcrumbs for deeper site structures
Offer site maps for complex websites

Content Navigation

Provide tables of contents for longer content
Include anchor links to jump to specific sections
Implement "Back to Top" buttons on long pages
Use descriptive headings that make sense out of context

Diverse Contact Options

Provide multiple ways to get in touch (phone, email, form, chat)
Don't force users into communication methods that may cause anxiety
Label contact methods with expected response times
Allow users to schedule callbacks rather than waiting on hold

Clear Expectations

State when users can expect responses
Provide confirmation when messages are received
Set clear expectations about the information needed
Offer examples of how to formulate requests

Communication Style Accommodations

Allow for direct, concise communication without social niceties
Provide templates or examples for common requests
Use clear, literal language in responses
Allow users to express preferences for communication style

Testing With Neurodivergent Users

To truly create inclusive experiences, testing with neurodivergent users is essential.

Include individuals with various neurodivergent conditions, consider working with accessibility consultants who specialise in neurodiversity, and build relationships with neurodiversity advocacy organisations.

Also in the testing phase, it’s important to create a comfortable environment. This includes remote testing options, allowing participants to use their own devices and assistive technologies, providing a sensory-friendly physical environment for in-person testing, and flexibility with testing schedules and durations.

While processing user feedback, look for patterns across different user experiences, prioritise addressing issues that cause significant barriers, and involve neurodivergent users in reviewing proposed solutions.

Universal Benefits of Neurodiverse-Friendly Design

When we design for neurodiversity, everyone benefits:

Reduced Cognitive Load

Clearer information architecture helps all users find what they need
Simplified processes reduce frustration for everyone
Logical organisation improves efficiency regardless of neurotype
Reduced distractions benefit anyone working in busy environments

Improved Performance Metrics

Higher task completion rates
Reduced bounce rates
Increased time-on-site for content-focused websites
Better conversion rates across all user groups

Enhanced Brand Perception

Demonstrates commitment to inclusion
Builds loyalty among users who feel accommodated
Creates positive word-of-mouth in neurodivergent communities
Positions your organisation as socially responsible

Future-Proofing Your Digital Presence

Aligns with evolving accessibility standards
Prepares for increasing legal requirements around digital inclusion
Creates adaptable frameworks that can evolve with user needs
Builds institutional knowledge around inclusive design practices

Creating neurodiverse-friendly web experiences isn't just about compliance or reaching a specific audience—it's about recognising that human cognition exists on a spectrum. By embracing design principles that accommodate different neurological processing styles, we create digital environments that are more usable, less stressful, and more effective for everyone.

The principles outlined in this article—logical content flow, minimal distractions, thoughtful visual design, clear navigation, and flexible communication—benefit all users while removing specific barriers for neurodivergent individuals.

Is your organisation ready to prioritise neurodiversity in your digital products? The competitive advantage—and the human impact—may be greater than you imagine.

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Author: Ida Pawłowicz, HR Specialist & Neurodiversity Enthusiast

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