Designing for Neurodiversity: Accessibility for Cognitive Differences

As our understanding of neurodiversity grows, so does the need to create digital spaces that accommodate a wide range of cognitive differences. Neurodiversity refers to the variety of ways that people's brains function, including conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive variations. Designing for neurodiversity isn’t just about compliance with accessibility standards — it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of how they process information, can navigate and engage with digital content.

In this post, we’ll explore what it means to design for neurodiversity, the challenges individuals with cognitive differences face online, and practical steps for creating more inclusive digital experiences.

Understanding Cognitive Differences and Their Impact on Digital Accessibility

When we think of accessibility, it’s easy to focus on physical disabilities like vision or mobility impairments. However, cognitive differences can present just as many barriers to accessing online information. For people with conditions like dyslexia, autism, or ADHD, interacting with poorly designed websites or apps can lead to frustration, confusion, and disengagement.

Real-World Examples of Cognitive Barriers

• Information Overload: Websites filled with large blocks of text, complex language, or too many choices can be overwhelming, especially for individuals with ADHD or autism. For instance, an online form with multiple fields and no clear instructions might make it difficult for a neurodivergent user to complete, increasing the likelihood of errors.

• Non-Linear Navigation: Many neurodiverse individuals benefit from straightforward, predictable navigation. A site with an inconsistent structure, unexpected pop-ups, or hidden menu options can be disorienting for someone with a cognitive difference.

• Sensory Overload: People with autism may struggle with websites that include flashing images, auto-playing videos, or bright, contrasting colours. These sensory elements can make it difficult to focus on the content, leading to anxiety or avoidance of the site altogether.

By addressing these cognitive challenges, we can make online spaces more inclusive and easier to navigate for everyone.

Key Design Principles for Neurodiverse Accessibility

Designing for neurodiversity requires an understanding of how cognitive differences affect the way people process information. Here are some design principles to keep in mind when creating accessible digital experiences for neurodivergent users:

1. Simplify and Structure Content

Breaking down content into smaller, manageable chunks is essential. People with dyslexia, for example, often find it easier to process shorter paragraphs, clear headings, and bullet points rather than large walls of text. Using simple, plain language without jargon also helps to improve comprehension.

For example, a banking app might make instructions clearer by presenting each step in a simple sequence, using short phrases and clearly defined actions like "Next" or "Submit". This avoids overwhelming users with too much information at once.

2. Prioritise Clear Navigation

Consistent, intuitive navigation is crucial for neurodivergent users. Websites should have a logical, predictable structure that makes it easy to find information. Drop-down menus, breadcrumb trails, and clear labels can help users feel confident in their ability to explore the site.

An e-commerce site might use a clear, top-level menu that categorises products logically, with breadcrumbs showing the user’s path. This way, users can easily retrace their steps if they get lost.

3. Offer Flexible Interaction Options

Neurodivergent users often benefit from having multiple ways to interact with content. Providing alternative formats— such as offering both text and audio instructions or allowing users to customise the interface — can significantly enhance accessibility.

A government website offering form submissions might allow users to choose between an online form, a downloadable PDF, or even voice-activated assistance. This flexibility accommodates different cognitive styles and reduces barriers to engagement.

4. Minimise Sensory Overload

To support neurodivergent users who are sensitive to sensory input, it’s important to avoid overwhelming visual elements. Avoid flashing content, autoplay media, or bright, high-contrast colours that can distract or agitate users with autism or sensory processing issues.

For example, a news website could give users the option to turn off autoplay videos and choose a "low sensory" mode that reduces animations and lowers brightness, making the site easier to navigate for users with sensory sensitivities.

5. Provide Clear, Step-by-Step Guidance

People with ADHD or executive functioning challenges often benefit from explicit instructions. Breaking tasks into smaller steps, with progress indicators, makes it easier to focus and complete tasks.

An online job application portal might divide the process into clear stages — "Personal Information", "Experience", "References" — with a progress bar showing how much is left to complete. This ensures users can focus on one task at a time without feeling overwhelmed.

The Benefits of Designing for Neurodiversity

Creating accessible digital experiences for neurodivergent users benefits everyone. Just as installing ramps or lifts makes buildings more accessible for people with mobility impairments, designing digital platforms with cognitive differences in mind creates a better experience for all users. When content is simplified, navigation is intuitive, and sensory overload is reduced, all users — regardless of their cognitive abilities — can more easily engage with digital platforms.

Moreover, businesses and organisations that prioritise neurodiverse accessibility can reach a broader audience, build loyalty, and foster a more inclusive online environment. In the UK, approximately 15% of people are neurodivergent, meaning that nearly one in seven users may face cognitive challenges when using the web. Ignoring these needs not only excludes a significant portion of users but also creates unnecessary barriers to information, services, and products.

Inclusive Design is Good Design

Designing for neurodiversity is about more than accommodating specific conditions; it’s about making the digital world more inclusive for everyone. By simplifying content, ensuring clear navigation, reducing sensory overload, and offering flexible interaction options, we can create online spaces that welcome and empower all users, regardless of cognitive differences.