By Lē Silveus — While adhering to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is a significant step, it’s not the whole picture. Neurodivergent individuals often face unique challenges when interacting with websites and applications. Some common issues include:
- Sensory Overload: Complex designs, rapid animations, high saturation colors, high contrast, and overwhelming visual or auditory stimuli can cause sensory overload for neurodivergent users.
- Cognitive Load: Complicated navigation structures, unclear instructions, and dense content can increase cognitive load and hinder effective interaction.
- Attention Difficulties: Neurodivergent individuals might struggle with focusing on relevant content amid distractions or overly busy layouts, or they could be so pulled in by attention‑stealing tactics that harm is done in their day‑to‑day lives.
- Input Sensitivities: Some users might have difficulties with precise mouse movements, complex keyboard shortcuts, or touch gestures.
Next steps for advancing support for neurodivergent people include:
- Building Diverse Teams: Diverse teams bring diverse perspectives. Including neurominority individuals in your development process ensures that a broader range of user needs and experiences are considered. This can lead to innovative solutions that benefit everyone.
- Elevating Neurodiversity in Accessibility Considerations: When thinking about accessibility, go beyond the standard checklist. Consider the specific challenges faced by neurodivergent users. For instance, opt for clear, straightforward language, minimize distractions, and provide customizable settings to cater to different sensory preferences.
- Harnessing Usability Testing with Neurodivergent Users: Usability testing involving neurominority users can reveal insights that might otherwise be overlooked. Their feedback can uncover usability issues that, once resolved, lead to a more seamless and enjoyable user experience for all.
The principles of simplicity, clarity, and customization emerge as key strategies to enhance usability and provide an inclusive online environment. As we move forward in shaping the digital future, let’s ensure that no user is left behind.
From Horton, S., & Sloan, D. (2024). What Every Engineer Should Know About Digital Accessibility. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida.
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