Designing with Neurodiversity in Mind
This project was driven by the belief that inclusive design starts with deep understanding. Research from educational, UX, and cognitive psychology sources helped shape each page of Blink Magazine—to create meaningful experiences for users with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and Dyscalculia.
As someone who lives with ADHD, I’ve spent years struggling with how information is presented—especially in academic and professional settings. Long pages of dense text, unstructured layouts, and overstimulating visuals have always left me overwhelmed, confused, and burnt out.
This thesis started as a way to help me learn. I didn’t want to fight against my neurodiversity—I wanted to design with it in mind. From that place of frustration came curiosity, and from that curiosity came deep research into how people like me (and unlike me) navigate the digital world.
Blink Magazine was born out of this journey. It’s not just a design guide—it’s a solution to a problem I’ve lived with. I designed it for me, and in doing so, for so many others.
The Foundation Behind Blink Magazine
The Foundation Behind Blink Magazine
Understanding the Problem
The problem addressed in this thesis was the lack of accessible design frameworks tailored to neurodiverse users. Chapter 1 identified a gap in the graphic design field: many designers lack both the training and resources to create work that supports individuals with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, and Dyscalculia. Neurodivergent users frequently experience barriers in digital content due to poor layout, overwhelming visuals, and rigid navigation.
According to Chapter 2, studies from GOV.UK and the Nielsen Norman Group emphasize the cognitive stress caused by over-cluttered designs and unpredictable interfaces. Likewise, literature from Muratovski (2016) frames design as a social practice, reinforcing that accessibility is a moral responsibility—not just a feature.
Design Principles Derived from Research
The following themes were consistently supported across the literature in Chapter 2 and implemented directly in Blink Magazine:
Simplified Navigation
Limit navigation levels to 2–3 steps, with consistent button placement and color labeling.Optimized Readability
Use clean, sans-serif fonts, 1.5+ line spacing, chunked paragraphs, and clear subheaders.Sensory-Friendly Design
Limit visual clutter. Use calm color palettes. Avoid autoplay or flashing content.Visual Comprehension Tools
Incorporate icons, charts, and visual metaphors to support non-verbal learners.Emotionally Aware Content
Tone should be supportive and clear—celebrating neurodiverse strengths while offering guidance.
Neurodiverse Conditions and Their Impact on Digital Interaction
🧠 ADHD
Individuals with ADHD often experience difficulty with focus, task switching, and information overload. Research shows they benefit from predictable structures, bold headlines, and limited sensory stimulation.
In Blink: I used chunked content, short paragraphs, and consistent layout grids to reduce distractions.
🧩 Autism
Sensory sensitivity and literal thinking patterns make it difficult to interact with cluttered, abstract interfaces.
In Blink: I minimized color contrast, used visual metaphors intentionally, and eliminated flashing elements.
🔤 Dyslexia
Challenges include reversing letters, tracking lines, and difficulty with dense paragraphs.
In Blink: I used dyslexia-friendly typefaces, left alignment, and generous line spacing to support readability.
🔢 Dyscalculia
Often characterized by confusion with numbers, sequences, and spatial orientation.
In Blink: I implemented step-by-step visual instructions and removed unnecessary numerical clutter.
Research That Changed the Way I Design
This research shifted how I design everything—from type to layout to interaction. I began prioritizing accessibility as the foundation, not an afterthought.
I realized inclusive design isn’t about reducing creativity but creating systems that more people can use. Designing for neurodiverse users challenged me to slow down, consider impact over trend, and turn complexity into clarity.
“UX accessibility principles, academic literature on neurodiversity, and real-world examples informed my research. These sources validated my design decisions and guided the creation of a functional and inclusive resource.”
Muratovski, Gjoko. Research for Designers – Human-centered design approach.
Hey Nova – Practical design strategies for users with ADHD.
GOV.UK Accessibility Guidelines – Government-backed dos and don’ts for neurodiverse digital content.
Nielsen Norman Group – Mental model theory and navigation patterns.
Stephanie Walter – UX patterns for sensory-friendly design.
