Design Philosophy

Neurodivergent UX

Built by neurodivergent minds, for neurodivergent minds.
We design for the beautiful spectrum of human cognition.

Last updated: March 15, 2026Interactive Guide

"AUDHDITIES is built by neurodivergent minds, for neurodivergent minds. We don't design for the 'average user'—we design for the beautiful spectrum of human cognition."

Our Principles

Avoid

Witty microcopy

Hidden navigation

Surprising animations

Industry jargon

Use Instead

Direct instructions

Visible menus

Predictable interactions

Plain language

Experience It Yourself

Sensory Preference Demo

Adjust these settings to see how they affect the experience

This is a demo of your current sensory settings:

On AUDHDITIES, flashing animations are OFF by default. Users can opt-in to motion preferences.

Executive Function Support Demo

Experience features designed to support focus and reduce overwhelm

Focus Mode

Removes distractions, highlights the current task

Current Task: Complete this form

Auto-saving...

Visual Timer

Time awareness without anxiety

30s

On AUDHDITIES, forms auto-save, timers are optional, and you can always "continue later"

Implementation Guide

High Contrast Mode

Override colors for users who need more contrast

/* High contrast mode overrides */
@media (prefers-contrast: more) {
  :root {
    --text-primary: #000000;
    --text-secondary: #1a1a1a;
    --border-regular: 2px solid currentColor;
  }
}

Respect Reduced Motion

Disable animations for users who prefer reduced motion

/* Respect reduced motion preferences */
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  * {
    animation-duration: 0.01ms !important;
    animation-iteration-count: 1 !important;
    transition-duration: 0.01ms !important;
  }
}

Always Visible Focus Indicators

Help keyboard users navigate

/* Always visible focus indicators */
*:focus-visible {
  outline: 3px solid var(--primary);
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

Typography Guidelines

✓ Minimum text size: 16px
✓ Line height: at least 1.5
✓ Maximum line length: 70 characters
✓ Dyslexia-friendly font option (OpenDyslexic)

font-family: 'OpenDyslexic', monospace;

Available as a toggle in user preferences

Form Design Guidelines

Text Inputs

  • • Clear labels (not just placeholders)
  • • Helper text with examples
  • • Character count when relevant
  • • Auto-save while typing

Select/Dropdown

  • • Searchable when 5+ options
  • • Grouped categories
  • • Default selected when appropriate

Buttons

  • • Descriptive text (not just "Submit")
  • • Confirmation before destructive actions
  • • Loading states with cancel option

Error Messages

  • • What happened (plain language)
  • • Why it happened (if known)
  • • How to fix it (specific steps)
  • • No technical codes for users

Testing with Real Users

Before launching new features:

  1. Test with 3-5 neurodivergent users
  2. Watch them use it (no instructions)
  3. Ask: "What would you do next?"
  4. Note where they pause or get confused
  5. Fix and test again

Feature Checklist

New Feature Review

0 of 10 completed

Can users control the pace?

Pacing

Is there a way to save progress?

Executive Function

Are there flashing or moving elements?

Sensory

Can users turn off auto-play?

Sensory

Is the language plain and direct?

Clarity

Are next steps obvious?

Executive Function

Is there a "more info" option?

Choice

Does it work with reduced motion?

Accessibility

Is there sufficient color contrast?

Accessibility

Can keyboard users navigate it?

Accessibility

Our Commitment

We will continue to learn and improve. This document evolves as we understand more about what our users need.

If you're neurodivergent and using AUDHDITIES, your feedback is not just welcome—it's essential.

Report issues, suggest improvements, and help us build a sanctuary that truly works for all minds.