How can you design wireframes for optimal accessibility and inclusion of neurodiverse users?

1 Why accessibility and inclusion matter

Designing wireframes for accessibility and inclusion is not only ethical and respectful, but also beneficial for your web design project. By considering the needs and preferences of neurodiverse users, you can create wireframes that are more user-friendly, intuitive, and engaging for everyone. You can also avoid potential usability issues, legal risks, and negative feedback that may arise from excluding or alienating some users. Moreover, you can expand your potential audience and reach more people who may appreciate and value your web design solution.

2 How to research and empathize with neurodiverse users

The first step to design wireframes for accessibility and inclusion is to research and empathize with your target users. You need to understand who they are, what they want, and what challenges they face when using websites or apps. You can use various methods to gather user insights, such as surveys, interviews, personas, scenarios, or user testing. You can also consult with experts, advocates, or organizations that work with or represent neurodiverse users. The goal is to gain empathy and awareness of the diverse needs and preferences of your users, and to avoid making assumptions or stereotypes.

3 How to apply accessibility and inclusion principles to wireframes

The next step is to apply the accessibility and inclusion principles to your wireframes. These principles are based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which are the international standards for making web content accessible for people with disabilities. The WCAG has four main principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. For example, to make content perceivable, you can use clear and legible fonts, colors, and icons, provide alternative text for images, use captions or transcripts for audio or video, and avoid flashing or distracting elements. To make content operable, you can use simple and consistent menus, buttons, and links, provide keyboard shortcuts and focus indicators, avoid pop-ups or timers, and offer multiple ways to find information. To make content understandable, you can use clear and concise language, provide labels and instructions, avoid jargon or abbreviations, use visual cues and feedback, and allow users to adjust the settings or preferences. Finally, to make content robust you can use valid and semantic code, follow the best practices and conventions, and test your wireframes with different tools and scenarios. Applying these principles will help you design wireframes that are accessible and inclusive for neurodiverse users.

5 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?