How can you design visual content for people with sensory processing disorders?

1 Use simple and clear layouts

Avoid clutter, noise, and complexity in your visual content. Use white space, contrast, and alignment to create a clear hierarchy and structure. Use consistent fonts, colors, and icons to reduce cognitive load and confusion. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break up text and make it easier to scan. Use captions, alt text, and transcripts to provide alternative ways to access information.

2 Choose colors carefully

Colors can have different meanings, associations, and effects on people with SPDs. Some colors may be too bright, too dull, or too similar to distinguish. Some colors may trigger emotional or physiological reactions, such as anger, anxiety, or nausea. Use colors that are appropriate for your context, audience, and purpose. Use colors that are accessible and compliant with web standards, such as WCAG 2.1. Use tools like Color Safe or Contrast Checker to test your color combinations and ensure sufficient contrast and readability.

3 Avoid flashing, flickering, or moving elements

Flashing, flickering, or moving elements can be distracting, annoying, or harmful for people with SPDs. They can cause headaches, seizures, or sensory overload. Avoid using animations, transitions, or effects that are too fast, too frequent, or too intense. Use them sparingly and purposefully, and provide options to pause, stop, or skip them. Use static images or videos instead of gifs or slideshows. Use clear and consistent labels and indicators for interactive elements, such as buttons, links, or menus.

4 Test and optimize your content

The best way to design visual content for people with SPDs is to test and optimize it with real users. Ask for feedback from people with different sensory preferences and needs. Use tools like UserTesting or UserZoom to conduct usability tests and surveys. Use tools like Lighthouse or PageSpeed Insights to measure and improve your content performance and accessibility. Use tools like Hemingway or Grammarly to check and refine your content readability and clarity.

5 Learn and follow best practices

Designing visual content for people with SPDs is not only a matter of empathy and ethics, but also a matter of quality and effectiveness. By following best practices for visual design accessibility and inclusivity, you can create content that is more appealing, engaging, and useful for everyone. Learn and follow the guidelines and standards from reputable sources, such as W3C, AIGA, or WebAIM. Keep yourself updated and informed about the latest trends and research on visual design accessibility and inclusivity.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?