5 simple fixes that make digital spaces calmer—for neurodivergent and all users. – Know About Accessibility

By Lē Silveus — When we talk about accessibility, most engineers think of screen readers, alt text, and color contrast. These are essential, but they’re only part of the picture. Digital spaces must also support people whose minds process information differently—people who are autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or otherwise neurodivergent.

In my previous contribution, I outlined core accessibility requirements for neurodivergent users. Let’s build on that with five small, high-impact changes engineers can make today. These fixes not only reduce barriers for neurodivergent users but also create calmer, more usable experiences for everyone.

1. Give users control over motion and animation.

• The problem: Auto-playing carousels, parallax scrolling, and decorative animations can overwhelm users.
• For neurodivergent users: These features may trigger sensory overload, nausea, and difficulty focusing.
• The fix: Respect system-level “reduce motion” preferences, provide pause buttons for animations and carousels, and avoid unnecessary movement unless it supports the user’s task.
• Why it helps everyone: Users on slow connections, older devices, or in distracting environments benefit from calmer interfaces too.

2. Simplify navigation and reduce cognitive load.

• The problem: Complex menus and crowded screens make it harder to find information.
• For neurodivergent users: Decision fatigue and frustration increase when navigation feels like a puzzle to solve.
• The fix: Create shallow hierarchies, use clear headings, and group related elements logically. Reduce unnecessary steps and cognitive effort.
• Why it helps everyone: Busy multitaskers and stressed users appreciate intuitive, low-friction design.

3. Avoid rigid time constraints.

• The problem: Forms and sessions that expire quickly penalize slower users.
• For neurodivergent users: Processing differences and executive dysfunction make arbitrary time limits especially challenging.
• The fix: Provide clear warnings before timeouts, allow users to extend sessions, and avoid strict time limits unless absolutely necessary.
• Why it helps everyone: Unexpected interruptions can affect anyone—this change supports users in real-world conditions.

4. Minimize information density and visual clutter.

• The problem: Dense text, competing UI elements, and visual noise overwhelm users.
• For neurodivergent users: Cognitive overload increases the likelihood of missing key information.
• The fix: Prioritize whitespace, use strong visual hierarchy, and break content into smaller, digestible chunks. Eliminate flashing ads or popups that compete for attention.
• Why it helps everyone: Clean, focused designs improve usability for all, especially on small screens.

5. Support multiple input and interaction methods.

• The problem: Interfaces that assume mouse use or precise touch exclude many users.
• For neurodivergent users: Some prefer keyboard navigation or voice controls due to sensory preferences or fine-motor challenges.
• The fix: Ensure full keyboard support, generous touch targets, and compatibility with assistive technologies.
• Why it helps everyone: This also supports users with temporary injuries or multitasking hands.

Building calmer digital spaces

These aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re fundamentals for inclusive, user-centered design. Neuro-inclusive practices reduce friction for millions of people and improve usability for everyone.

Start small: pick one fix and implement it in your next sprint. You may be surprised by how far its impact reaches.