Learn how to design and write web content that is accessible and engaging for users with ADHD. Discover tips to use language, visuals, audio, layout, and options.

I think the most important thing is to have meaningful and valuable content. Then present it concisely and simply. Use formatting to highlight major ideas so someone could just read the boldest information and still learn something useful. The bolded headings let them easily determine if that is a segment they want to know more about.

How can you make your web content ADHD-friendly?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects how people focus, act, and process information. If you create web content for an internet service, you might wonder how to make it more accessible and engaging for users with ADHD. Here are some tips to help you design and write web content that is ADHD-friendly.

1 Use clear and simple language

One of the challenges that users with ADHD face is reading and comprehending complex or lengthy texts. To make your web content easier to read, use clear and simple language that conveys your message effectively. Avoid jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that might confuse or distract your readers. Break up your text into short paragraphs and sentences, and use headings, subheadings, and lists to organize your information. Use active voice, direct address, and action verbs to create a conversational and engaging tone.

Add your perspective

Cynthia Hammer, MSW

Helping women & girls get a timely ADHD diagnosis | Founder & director of FINDtheADHDgirls | Director of Inattentive ADHD Coalition | ADHD awareness advocate | Author of Living with Inattentive ADHD
(edited)
Report contribution
I think the most important thing is to have meaningful and valuable content. Then present it concisely and simply. Use formatting to highlight major ideas so someone could just read the boldest information and still learn something useful. The bolded headings let them easily determine if that is a segment they want to know more about.

Like
Karen Rawden

Neuroaffirmative Psychotherapist - UKCP & MBACP - at The Soulful Practice. ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)
Report contribution
- DO put the punchline first. - DO make text easy to scan. - DO use bullet points. - DO avoid long sentences. - DO use space well. - DO write in a personable style 😀

Like
Caren Magill

I help ADHD coaches and solopreneurs build profitable, simple businesses that support the life they want to live.
Report contribution
"Bottom line" your language as much as possible. Get to the point, be clear and concise, and avoid piling on examples to clarify a point.

Like
Craig Drury

Transport modelling, appraisal, delivery, development and advice for national infrastructure and policy.
Report contribution
I think writing with a clear sense of purpose answering concisely the so what question. Refer to extra detail somewhere else, create useful annexes with the data and details. Personally would suggest flow charts and diagrams in general to get instant traction on key points.

Like
Dr.Rajalakshmi Kandaswamy

Autism Expert | Winner of IAF 'Emerging Company of the Year 2023' Award | Top 4 India's Most INNOVATIVE MSME-Micro ETMSME Awards22 | Director @RaaGaa - Award-Winning APP Developers | Winner UN Women Shri Shakti Awards
Report contribution
It is an Inside-Out process that works with ADHD: 1) Center and Ground your Energies BEFORE you start writing the article. 2) Write in a Flow WITHOUT Making any edits while you write the article. 3) Once done, Re-Read the article and then edit for spell checks, grammar, etc. 4) REMOVE unnecessary links. 5) Have at least ONE image that condenses the article, like a sketch-note.

Like

Load more contributions

2 Add visual and audio elements

Another way to make your web content more appealing and memorable for users with ADHD is to add visual and audio elements that support your text. Visuals, such as images, icons, graphs, or videos, can help your readers understand your content better, as well as capture their attention and interest. Audio elements, such as podcasts, audio clips, or voice-overs, can also provide an alternative or complementary way of delivering your message. However, make sure that your visual and audio elements are relevant, clear, and accessible. Use alt text, captions, transcripts, and labels to describe your visuals and audio for users who cannot see or hear them.

Add your perspective

Mary Toluwani-Dada

Content Writer | Copywriter | passionate Content Creator | Ghost writer | Voiceover Artist | plot writer | poet | Creative innovator|song writer
Report contribution
Colours add a unique feature to web contents. Audios, videos, pictures and so on should have a bit of creative appearance to appeal to any type of user.

Like
Caren Magill

I help ADHD coaches and solopreneurs build profitable, simple businesses that support the life they want to live.
Report contribution
Be mindful about limiting flashing elements, word pop ups and unnecessary sound effects. Remember that our attention is often disregulated because we're already overstimulated.

Like

3 Reduce distractions and clutter

Users with ADHD can easily get distracted or overwhelmed by too much information or stimuli on a web page. To reduce distractions and clutter, use a simple and consistent layout and design for your web content. Avoid using too many colors, fonts, or animations that might distract or annoy your readers. Use white space, contrast, and alignment to create a clear and readable structure for your content. Avoid pop-ups, ads, or other elements that might interrupt your readers or take them away from your content. Provide clear and intuitive navigation and feedback for your users, so they can easily find what they are looking for and complete their tasks.

Add your perspective

Caren Magill

I help ADHD coaches and solopreneurs build profitable, simple businesses that support the life they want to live.
Report contribution
Minimalism is not only aesthetically pleasing, it's good for the nervous system. Make your content a joy to consume by making it simple, concise and uncluttered.

Like

4 Offer choices and control

Users with ADHD might have different preferences and needs when it comes to consuming web content. To offer choices and control, provide options for your users to customize their experience and access your content in different ways. For example, you can provide a toggle button to switch between dark and light modes, a slider to adjust the font size or the volume, or a menu to select the language or the format of your content. You can also provide summaries, highlights, or overviews of your content, so your users can decide whether they want to read or listen to more. You can also provide links or references to additional or related resources, so your users can explore more topics if they are interested.

Add your perspective

Neal Glendenning
Report contribution
Something I've found helpful is when posts consist of short, factual and descriptive summary lines with a link to the relevant information in detail... a simple "this is the goal and here's the link to achieving it"... this way you can cover multiple topics and give the user the choice of when they access them.

Like

5 Test and improve your web content

The best way to make sure that your web content is ADHD-friendly is to test it with real users who have ADHD and get their feedback. You can use various methods, such as surveys, interviews, or usability tests, to find out how your users perceive, interact, and respond to your web content. You can also use tools, such as readability checkers, accessibility checkers, or analytics, to measure and improve the quality and performance of your web content. By testing and improving your web content, you can ensure that it meets the needs and expectations of your users with ADHD, as well as other users who might benefit from your efforts.

Add your perspective

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?

Add your perspective

How can you make your web content ADHD-friendly?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use clear and simple language

2 Add visual and audio elements

3 Reduce distractions and clutter

4 Offer choices and control

5 Test and improve your web content

6 Here’s what else to consider

Internet Services

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Internet Services

More relevant reading

How can you make your web content ADHD-friendly?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use clear and simple language

2 Add visual and audio elements

3 Reduce distractions and clutter

4 Offer choices and control

5 Test and improve your web content

6 Here’s what else to consider

Internet Services

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills