Autism Designs: how to build inclusive products for people with Autism

Autistic people make up about 1 percent of the population. Designing products for their needs means better serving the other 99 percent, too.

Autistic people can profit a lot from good design.

When was the last time you put on your noise-canceling headphones and comfortably browsed a pastel-colored website giving you the calmest-possible vibes?

Oh, that was a long time ago?

Same for me.

For an important minority in the population, however, such a relaxing setup is absolutely crucial. People with autism, along with other neurodivergent people with ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions depend on calm and focused content in order to work, play, live, and thrive.

Would you enjoy trying to work while sitting under a flickering neon light with ad banners flashing at you, five different navigation bars causing confusion, and three glowy-flashy buttons luring you to “click here,” all at the same time?

This type of chaos is stressful for neurotypical people. For an autistic or otherwise neurodivergent person, it’s pure hell.

The good news is that serving autistic people can make life easier for neurotypical people, too. People generally prefer clear, polished websites with a calm and serene feel, versus a busy website with confusing navigation and blinking buttons in counterintuitive places.

Why Autistic People and Autism Designs Matter

Autism, generally speaking, is a genetic neurological trait. Current evidence indicates that autistic brains have high synaptic connectivity and responsiveness. This means that people with autism perceive the world much more intensely. In situations where a lot is going on, this perception can lead to sensory overload and meltdowns.

As a result, many people with autism resort to coping strategies that calm their minds and, if this is not possible, avoid overwhelming situations altogether. They often engage in repetitive behavior, for example sticking to the exact same routine in the morning, and feel disoriented if they can’t follow the set pattern. They often avoid chaotic…