As a Product Design Studio, including ADHD in accessibility design is critical to building inclusive digital experiences. While accessibility often focuses on physical disabilities like vision, hearing, or mobility impairments, cognitive conditions such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affect a significant portion of the population and deserve more attention.
In the U.S. alone, according to Forbes Health, an estimated 8.7 million adults have ADHD, a notable increase from the 6.1% reported two decades ago. Interestingly, many adults with ADHD remain unaware of their condition, with less than 20% having received a diagnosis. In children, the CDC reports that around 7 million U.S. children (ages 3–17) have been diagnosed with ADHD — roughly 1 in 9 — up by a million since 2016.
These statistics highlight the importance of designing for this group, ensuring that digital interfaces are user-friendly for people who may experience difficulties with attention, memory, and focus. In this article, we’ll explore practical ways to design with ADHD in mind, why it’s crucial, and how these changes improve the experience for all users, whether or not they have ADHD. We’ll also touch on how the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) influences accessible design.
Understanding ADHD in the Context of UX
ADHD presents unique challenges when interacting with digital products. People with ADHD often struggle with focus, organization, and attention, leading to difficulties when faced with long instructions, cluttered layouts, or overwhelming choices. Designing for these challenges isn’t just about empathy — it’s about making products truly usable for a broad range of people.
Clarity and Conciseness in Text and Instructions
Writing concise, clear instructions is a powerful tool in accessibility design for ADHD. Long or vague prompts can overwhelm users, leading to confusion or frustration. Instead, aim for short, direct instructions that minimize cognitive load.
For example, instead of saying, “Please provide all necessary contact information below,” break it down into: “Enter your phone number and email address.” Even for users without ADHD, simplifying text increases readability and reduces the likelihood of misunderstanding. Research from the Nielsen Norman Group (2019) shows that concise, scannable text improves the overall user experience by making information easier to absorb quickly.
Breaking Down Complex Tasks
Breaking tasks into manageable steps is another principle that benefits users with ADHD, who may struggle with multitasking or completing multi-step processes without clear guidance. Instead of presenting a long list of actions, offer one step at a time.
For instance, during an online checkout process, break it into logical steps like:
- Enter your shipping information.
- Choose a delivery method.
- Provide payment details.
A Forbes study from 2018 revealed that over 50% of people abandon forms that are too complicated. By breaking tasks into smaller parts, you not only accommodate users with ADHD but also improve conversion rates and ease of use for everyone. Everyone appreciates clearer steps, particularly in complex processes.
Emphasizing Visual Hierarchy
A strong visual hierarchy helps users focus on essential elements. For individuals with ADHD, distractions can be problematic, so it’s crucial to prioritize content and create a logical flow. Use headers, subheaders, and bullet points to break up text, ensuring important information is clearly highlighted.
For example, bold fonts or contrasting colors for calls-to-action can help users quickly identify where to focus. According to a 2018 study by the Journal of Consumer Research, people are 70% more likely to engage with content when a clear visual hierarchy guides them. Visual hierarchy benefits everyone by making information easy to digest, helping all users navigate smoothly.
Minimizing Distractions
Minimizing distractions is key for users with ADHD. Auto-playing videos, excessive pop-ups, or flashing animations can disrupt focus. It’s important to limit or give users control over these elements. Offering options to mute sounds, disable certain features, or delay notifications can create a calmer user experience.
For example, instead of using auto-playing video banners, opt for static images or give users control to play videos on demand. This isn’t just beneficial for those with ADHD — most users prefer more control over their browsing experience. HubSpot research from 2019 found that 73% of users dislike pop-ups that interfere with their experience, showing that reducing distractions is a universal win.
The Role of ADA Compliance
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requires that digital products be accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those with cognitive conditions like ADHD. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates accessible design for federal agencies, and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set standards for “perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust” digital content.
Although these laws may not specifically mention ADHD, their guidelines around clear navigation and accessible design provide a framework for creating ADHD-friendly products. Simplifying navigation, improving readability, and reducing cognitive load all contribute to a more inclusive experience for users with ADHD and beyond.
Designing with Empathy and Purpose
Designing for ADHD, like all accessibility efforts, is about creating inclusive experiences for everyone. By focusing on clarity, breaking down tasks, minimizing distractions, and maintaining strong visual hierarchy, we create products that serve a broader audience — including those with ADHD.
In fact, designing for ADHD often enhances the experience for all users. A 2020 Microsoft study found that simplifying interfaces and removing distractions made their products more user-friendly for everyone, not just those with ADHD. By reducing complexity and focusing on the user, we create more intuitive and enjoyable experiences across the board.
Why It’s Important to Design for ADHD
Designing for ADHD is not just about compliance or meeting the needs of a specific user group — it’s about creating digital experiences that are clear, inclusive, and user-friendly for everyone. People with ADHD face unique cognitive challenges that can make using digital interfaces overwhelming. By simplifying instructions, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and minimizing distractions, we create more intuitive designs that benefit all users.
When we design with empathy and purpose, we build products that empower everyone, regardless of cognitive abilities, creating a more inclusive digital world.
