Cognitive Accessibility Solutions

We design for the average. The average doesn’t exist. April is Autism Acceptance Month. Designing for autism is about building products that work for everyone. Cognitive overload affects everyone. Your brain has limits, and more noise can affect how you perceive things. For some autistic users, this is constant and amplified. Many rely on digital products to navigate daily life. Yet most interfaces ignore them. So what happens? We design experiences that overwhelm the people who need them most. And if your product overwhelms autistic users, it’s exhausting everyone else. Here are 5 principles to get you started: 1. Consistent Structure Keep navigation, layout, and UI patterns identical across your entire product. Why: Sudden changes cause anxiety and disorientation. Example: Shopping cart stays in the top-right corner across every page. 2. Literal Communication Use plain, direct language. Skip idioms and metaphors. Why: Vague language requires guessing and creates confusion Example: "Your payment was declined. Check your card number and try again." 3. Sensory Calm Use muted, natural colours. Avoid pure black/white and bright contrasts. Why: Extreme contrast and bright colours cause sensory overload Example: Dashboard with soft beige background, dark grey text, and 3-4 clearly separated sections 4. User Control Default to sound off. Allow people to pause, stop, or disable animations. Why: Sensory needs vary greatly, and customization prevents overload. Example: Toggles for reduced motion, dark mode, font size, and autoplay off by default. 5. Predictable Interactions Provide clear feedback and progress indicators so users always know where they are. Why: Unexpected interruptions trigger anxiety and break focus. Example: Multi-step form shows "Step 2 of 4" with a progress bar, confirms "Your information was saved" after each step. Better design starts with understanding. 👇🏽What would you add to this list? 🔖 Save this for reference ♻️ Share it with your team ---- ✉️ Subscribe for more accessibility and design insights: https://lnkd.in/gZpAzWSu ---- Accessibility note: This infographic, titled Designing for Autism has the same content as the post. It also includes alt text.

Web accessibility & mental health: why we need to talk about it In my years working as a web accessibility expert, I’ve often noticed: we tend to focus on physical and sensory disabilities, but mental-health issues and cognitive differences often sit in the shadows of our accessibility discussions. Here’s what I’ve come to understand: · A recent study found that when accessibility features designed for cognitive support were absent, even users without disabilities showed declining cognitive engagement over time (eye-tracking & heart-rate monitoring used) (link to the study: https://lnkd.in/e5ZQe2i7) · The World Wide Web Consortium has a dedicated page on Cognitive Accessibility, acknowledging that many user needs are still not addressed in current standards (link to the webpage: https://lnkd.in/enTWiJdJ) · The European Commission published a 2022 study on inclusive web-accessibility for persons with cognitive disabilities, noting that improved cognitive accessibility benefits everyone (link to the study: https://lnkd.in/e7Z-XAxW) 🚨 Why mental health & cognitive accessibility matters, but gets overlooked · Many mental-health conditions affect attention, memory, processing speed, anxiety, distraction. Yet accessibility standards like WCAG only indirectly address these via criteria like “Readable” or “Predictable”. · This means a website can be technically WCAG compliant, but still highly stressful or inaccessible for a person experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or cognitive fatigue. · Because mental-health issues are less visible and more variable, teams often don’t plan for them, yet by doing so we exclude a very large group of users. ✏️ Practical tips for designing with mental-health & cognitive needs in mind 1. Simplify tasks & reduce cognitive load Use clear, concise language; break down complex processes into simple steps. Provide “skip this step” or “help” options when tasks require concentration. 2. Manage pace, timing & interruptions Don’t assume users can process content the same as usual - allow more time, allow pauses. Provide options to reduce motion, remove auto-refreshing content. 3. Offer predictable, consistent navigation and UI Avoid surprises, unexpected changes, hidden actions. People with anxiety or executive-function challenges benefit greatly from consistency. 4. Enable personalization & adaptation Allow users to choose simpler mode, reduce visual clutter, choose focus mode, change colours or fonts. 5. Test with real users Too often we test only “visual/motor” disabilities, but persons with cognitive or mental-health-related challenges have unique real-world pain points and involve them early. If you’re working on a project, I invite you to pause and ask: “How would this feel if I were anxious, processing slowly, distracted, or tired?” Because accessibility is empathy translated into design. #Accessibility #MentalHealth #CognitiveAccessibility #InclusiveDesign #WebAccessibility #A11y #UX

We’re all about diversity, right? Well, one thing I’ve noticed is that there’s a curious lack of conversation about how to test and design for neurodiversity. We talk about how we can ensure accessibility, but what about ensuring accessibility in terms of cognitive ability? Studies show that up to 20% of the population is neurodivergent. As more information emerges about how diverse human brain function can be (and how this diversity can be the basis of many unique strengths), it’s time that we started exploring how we can ensure cognitive accessibility in digital experiences. Neurodiversity exists on a wide spectrum, everything from dyslexia to autism spectrum disorders. For researchers and businesses designing with neurodiversity in mind, I have a few tips to guide the process. 1. Be mindful of sensory thresholds when conducting research with neurodiverse users. Minimize environmental elements that could be overwhelming for individuals with sensory processing disorders, such as bright lights, intense animation, and loud sounds. 2. Keep user interfaces simple and to the point. Be intentional about creating a visual hierarchy that gives clear directives. Using legible fonts helps keep users focused. Give your neurodiverse users the option to adjust some features during their digital usability experience—font size, background color, screen contrast, etc. This takes into account the fact that neurodiversity is unique to each individual and that digital experiences will vary from user to user. 3. Throughout testing, provide clear and consistent feedback to users as they move through the digital experience. Give plenty of visual and auditory cues to actively eliminate ambiguity around what actions lead to what results. If you’re ready to start integrating these principles into your products, an accessibility audit could be a good place to start, or you could initiate a pilot project focused on enhancing cognitive accessibility. These practical steps will help your designs and applications become more accommodating for neurodiverse users.

A personal insight into dyscalculia and accessibility After years of wondering why I had such difficulties with numbers, I discovered a few years ago that I have dyscalculia. Suddenly, everything clicked - why I often mix up digits, struggle to grasp the size of numbers (games like Monopoly Millionaire with my children were a nightmare!), find it so hard to process large numbers, or to remember any passwords with numbers etc. This is why the 'Helena' persona published recently by GOV.UK in their excellent Accessibility Personas resource, really struck a chord with me. https://lnkd.in/eBjtU3WP It perfectly demonstrates my experience of dyscalculia. But not only is it a helpful example of how cognitive differences can impact daily life, it's also a great reminder of how accessible design can improve the experience for everyone! In the before-and-after exercise below, the 'before' example felt like the usual 'sea of confusion,' triggering the stress and anxiety I often experience when dealing with anything financial online (made even more acute by the fact that I had a timer ticking away at the top of the form). The 'after' example, however, completely changed the experience - it allowed me to process and answer the question calmly, without my normal sense of panic. Have you come across any resources or examples that helped you understand accessibility from a new perspective? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. #Accessibility #Dyscalculia #InclusiveDesign #Learning (The image shows two versions of a "Driving Mileage – Hired Car" web form from GOV.UK. The first version (on the left) has several design flaws that make it less user-friendly. A countdown timer at the top introduces unnecessary urgency, which could stress users. The content is densely packed into a single block of text, making it harder to scan and understand. Tables lack clear headings and descriptive captions, making the fee information less accessible. Additionally, numerical values are written without commas, which could lead to misinterpretation. The mileage fees include an unclear separation of the administration fee, requiring users to calculate it separately. Lastly, the reference number input field lacks guidance, leaving users guessing about the required format. In contrast, the second version (on the right) is much more user-friendly. The countdown timer is removed, allowing users to complete the form at their own pace. Text is organized into clear paragraphs, making it easier to follow. The tables are well-structured, with bold headings and descriptive captions that clarify the information they present. Large numerical values are formatted with commas, enhancing readability. The administration fee is already included in the mileage costs, streamlining calculations. Additionally, hint text is added below the reference number field, specifying the required format as "2 letters followed by 6 numbers," reducing user error.)

If You're Struggling With Workplace Inclusion, Try This...   → Neurodiversity Integration Framework   Last week, I audited a Fortune 500 company's workspace. What I discovered was shocking. Their "inclusive" office was actually excluding 15% of their talent pool.   The bright fluorescent lights. The open office chaos. The rigid 9-5 schedule.   All of these were silent barriers keeping neurodivergent employees from performing at their best.   Here's what we implemented:   1.   Sensory Zones - Created dedicated quiet spaces - Installed adjustable lighting - Provided noise-canceling equipment   2.   Communication Flexibility - Introduced written and verbal instruction options - Implemented structured feedback systems - Added visual aids for complex processes     3.   Adaptive Scheduling - Flexible work hours - Remote work options - Designated decompression areas   Living with cerebral palsy taught me this:   When you design for accessibility, you create excellence for everyone. The most successful companies aren't just accepting differences - they're leveraging them.   The India Autism Center has been pioneering this transformation, offering guidance to companies ready to embrace change.   The question isn't whether to create autism-friendly workplaces.   It's why haven't we done it sooner?   #asksumit   #iac

Want better participation? Tell people what to expect in advance. This is a simple and powerful accessibility practice. (and Free!) Some people need more time and information to prepare for meetings, events, or new situations. For example: Autistic people may have a hard time with uncertainty, and knowing what to expect ahead of time is important. Others with ADHD may need more time to organize their thoughts or plan their schedule. Knowing what to expect can help us prepare and reduce anxiety. This is not just for neurodivergent people. Clear information in advance helps most people focus and participate at their best.... including those who may be new to the company, the culture, or who simply prefer details ahead of time. Example: The Museum of Flight in Seattle practices this by sharing a "Social Narrative" on their website. It is a PDF guide that uses photos and short descriptions to show visitors what they will see, hear, and experience before they arrive. (available in English, Spanish and Chinese) Social Narratives are an accessibility tool developed to support Autistic visitors, but also benefit many others. Examples of how you can apply this at work: - Send a meeting agenda before the meeting - Tell people in advance if you want them to present - Share photos of a venue or check-in location before an event - Give new employees a written overview of their first day, including where to park, where to enter the building, who will meet them, and who to call if they get stuck. 💬 What examples would you add? When people know what to expect, they can show up more prepared to participate at their best. This is your Minds of All Kinds tip of the week. For more cognitive accessibility tips, read my chapter in "Digital Accessibility Ethics: Disability Inclusion in All Things Tech" edited by Lainey Feingold, Reginé Gilbert, MBA and Chancey Fleet. #Accessibility #CognitiveAccessibility #NeuroInclusion [Image description: A square black and white graphic. Headline: "Tell people what to expect in advance." Below the headline is an illustration of a map with a location pin and a dotted route. Three bullet points: "Send an agenda," "Share photos of the venue," and "Tell people if they will be asked to speak." Below the bullets in bold italic text: "What examples would you add?" The Minds of All Kinds TIPS logo]

Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day everyone! It's a great day to remind people, that, accessibility is the responsibility of the whole team, including designers! A couple of things designers can do: - Use sufficient color contrast (text + UI elements) and don’t rely on color alone to convey meaning. - Ensure readable typography: support text resizing, avoid hard-to-read styles, maintain hierarchy. - Make links and buttons clear and distinguishable (label, size, states). - Design accessible forms: clear labels, error help, no duplicate input, document states. - Support keyboard navigation: tab order, skip links, focus indicators, keyboard interaction. - Structure content with headings and landmarks: use proper H1–Hn, semantic order, regions. - Provide text alternatives for images, icons, audio, and video. - Avoid motion triggers: respect reduced motion settings, allow pause on auto-play. - Design with flexibility: support orientation change, allow text selection, avoid fixed-height elements. - Document accessibly and communicate: annotate designs, collaborate with devs, QA, and content teams. Need to learn more? I got a couple of resources on my blog: - A Designer’s Guide to Documenting Accessibility & User Interactions: https://lnkd.in/eUh8Jvvn - How to check and document design accessibility in your mockups: a conference on how to use Figma plugins and annotation kits to shift accessibility left https://lnkd.in/eu8YuWyF - Accessibility for designer: where do I start? Articles, resources, checklists, tools, plugins, and books to design accessible products https://lnkd.in/ejeC_QpH - Neurodiversity and UX: Essential Resources for Cognitive Accessibility, Guidelines to understand and design for Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD https://lnkd.in/efXaRwgF - Color accessibility: tools and resources to help you design inclusive products https://lnkd.in/dRrwFJ5 #Accessibility #ShiftLeft #GAAD

The Museum Map Paradox: Why Your Best Navigation Tool Might Be Failing 70% of Visitors Here's an uncomfortable truth: Most museum maps are designed by people who already know the building intimately. We create tools that make perfect sense to us—and quietly frustrate the people we're trying to serve. Research shows visitors spend an average of 2.7 seconds looking at a museum map before either pocketing it or discarding it. That's barely enough time to find the restrooms, let alone plan a meaningful visit. What's actually going wrong? We're designing for ideal visitors in ideal conditions—not for overwhelmed parents with strollers, older adults with vision challenges, or international tourists navigating language barriers while managing decision fatigue. Here's what evidence-based way finding actually requires: Cognitive load matters more than aesthetics, strip away everything that isn't essential. Your architectural pride in that complicated atrium? Visitors just need to know: "Am I on Floor 2 or 3?" Test with people who've never been there, Not staff. Not board members. Not architecture students. Hand your draft to someone waiting at a bus stop and watch where they get confused. Accessibility isn't a feature—it's the foundation, 40% of museum visitors have some form of accessibility need. If your map doesn't clearly show every elevator, accessible entrance, and quiet space, you're not serving nearly half your audience. Make the first 3 decisions obvious, Where are the bathrooms? Where do I start? Where can I sit down? Answer these before highlighting your special exhibition. Digital doesn't replace print—it complements it, Older adults often prefer paper. Younger visitors want their phone. People with cognitive disabilities may need both. Design for all three scenarios. The systemic issue we're not discussing: Most institutions create maps as an afterthought—a last-minute project assigned to whoever has design software. We need to budget for professional way finding consultants and user testing the same way we budget for exhibition design. One practical change you can implement tomorrow: Stand at your entrance for 30 minutes and watch where visitors look confused. That's your map redesign brief. The best museum map I've seen? The Museum of Modern Art's 2019 redesign tested their way finding with over 200 first-time visitors and made 47 changes based on confusion patterns. The result: 34% fewer front-desk navigation questions. Your visitors shouldn't need to be cartographers. #eminspost #eminmuseum #museumlover #MuseumDesign #VisitorExperience #Museums #MuseumPlanning #CulturalHeritage #ExhibitionDesign #MuseumInnovation #Accessibility #Wayfinding #CulturalInstitutions

Sometimes people think digital accessibility is mostly for blind people. And it’s definitely important for them! But there are lots of other types of people with disabilities that can benefit from well-designed sites, and some of them are neurospicy! When I first started working in the accessibility field there weren’t many resources about accessibility for cognitive disabilities, but that’s changed a lot over the past few years. All of us use and experience the internet in different ways, and remembering that can help us make things that work well for lots of types of brains! There were a couple of great talks about this at ID24 this year: - Designing Neuro-Accessible Interfaces for Better User Engagement by Piper Hutson (52 minute video on YouTube) - https://lnkd.in/eX7SXv_D - Brain Overload: The Silent Barrier to Inclusive Design by Kaye Moors, CPACC (56 minute video on YouTube) -  https://lnkd.in/ewBm8zpy Here are a few articles: - Best Practices for Cognitive Accessibility in Web Design by Caitlin de Rooij - https://lnkd.in/eFnm2AvM - Designing For Neurodiversity by Vitaly Friedman - https://lnkd.in/eEe8N2vq - Software accessibility for users with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) by Eva Katharina Wolf - https://lnkd.in/eSeJYaHQ Here’s a podcast: - Designing content for people with dyscalculia or low numeracy by Jane McFadyen (podcast, 20 minutes, transcript available) - https://lnkd.in/e2e8ntpB And here’s a huge list of resources that Stéphanie Walter put together: - Neurodiversity and UX: Essential Resources for Cognitive Accessibility - https://lnkd.in/eWWuzS-T If you have other resources for neurodiversity that we should know about then please share them with us in the comments!

This accessibility widget, asking users to "Choose the right accessibility profile", perfectly shows why the industry built by non-disabled teams is failing disabled people. Look at this interface, forcing people into medical categories like Vision Impaired, ADHD Friendly, and Cognitive Disability. accessiBe and similar companies force users to "select a pre-made disability profile from an easy-to-access menu." Still, these solutions are built by non-disabled teams working from assumptions rather than reality. The contrast is clear when you look at companies founded by disabled people: - Level Access, "founded in 1999 by individuals with disabilities," understands that "lived experiences help identify accessibility needs and issues." - Digital Accessibility by WeCo employs people with disabilities: "Our Accessibility Specialists and Testers live with one or more disability as part of our job roles." - Fable built its model around "testing powered by people with disabilities." The difference is stark: Companies WITHOUT lived experience create: → Rigid disability profiles → Static bottom-corner widgets → Overlays that conflict with screen readers → Forced medical disclosure Companies with disabled founders understand: → Users already have assistive technology → Websites need universal design from the ground up → No forced categorisation required → Accessibility shouldn't be an afterthought → Intersections (multiple identities affecting interaction) → Cultural (influenced by background and language) and economic (affected by device quality and connectivity) context At Plovm, we're a diverse team blending lived experience, software engineering expertise, and passionate activism. Also, we're revolutionising this approach from both sides. We launched our consumer app in December 2024, demonstrating how adaptive technology should work—using pattern detection to provide seamless support without forcing users into medical categories or conflicting with their existing assistive technology. We are expanding our philosophy to website owners with a B2B platform launching in December 2025: - Allowing Organisations to test their sites for accessibility barriers and deploy adaptive solutions compatible with users' screen readers, voice software, and navigation tools. - Our fully accessible testing tools and deployment will create adaptable, seamless accessibility features that integrate into browsing, not static widgets that interfere with assistive technology. The solution isn't fixing these widgets—it's building websites that don't need them in the first place. For deeper insight into why universal design beats overlay solutions, "Inclusive Design for Accessibility" by Dale Cruse and Denis Boudreau explains the research behind moving beyond the widget mentality.