Zack Drives Strategy

Neurodiversity-Friendly Design Principles Simple design rules everyone can understand and use These principles were developed by analyzing and synthesizing over 20 resources including YouTube seminars, articles, and social listening through Reddit and other platforms. I used NotebookLM Pro to help with synthesis and Claude with code/design. 1. Keep it clean and simple • Use short, clear words that everyone knows • Don’t cram too many things on one screen • Have one main button that shows exactly what to do next • Ask yourself: “Could I remove anything that’s not needed?” 2. Stay consistent and organized • Put similar stuff in similar places • Make important things bigger or bolder • Create a pattern and stick to it • Think about it like your bedroom: everything has its place 3. Optimize readability and typography Aa • Use dyslexia-friendly sans-serif fonts (Arial, Open Sans) • Avoid ALL CAPS and italics – they’re harder to read • Use larger fonts with wide spacing between letters • Make text slightly bold to help with visual impairments 4. Design with sensory sensitivity in mind • Use plain, muted, or pastel colors • Avoid bright neon backgrounds and flashy elements • Keep music and sound levels comfortable • Reduce visual and audio “noise” 5. Communicate clearly and directly • Use literal language – avoid metaphors or sarcasm • Write concise text with a single, clear meaning • Label buttons with action words (“Send Message”) • Avoid jokes or puns that could cause confusion 6. Simplify and clarify navigation • Limit navigation to one toolbar • Label every page clearly • Show progress bars for multi-page processes • Make sure users always know where they are 7. Offer personalization and flexibility • Let users adjust font size and color schemes • Add options to change from vivid to calm modes • Allow users to hide elements they don’t need • Remember: everyone has different needs and preferences 8. Emphasize empathy and inclusive practices • Learn about neurodiversity to understand audience needs • Create focus groups with neurodivergent individuals • Involve diverse people in your design process • Designing for neurodiversity makes products better for EVERYONE © 2025 • Neurodiversity-Friendly Design Principles