Designing for Users on the Autism Spectrum

Designing for the challenges that neuroatypical users face when interacting with the world is increasingly necessary in a fast-paced, overwhelming world. Creating a better experience for neuroatypical users creates a better experience for everyone.

Transcript

1. Designing for Users on the Autism Spectrum
2. Hi, I’m Carly Ho Senior Engineer, Clique Studios @carlymho
3. What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
4. Challenge: Sensory Overload
5. Designing vs. Sensory Overload ‐ Keep user path obvious ‐ Try not to autoplay audio, have controls to pause sounds and distracting video or animation ‐ Break up blocks of text, space + size appropriately to make it easier to focus on your content
6. Challenge: Clear Communication
7. Design & Clear Communication ‐ Caption emotion conveyed in images and video ‐ Note in parentheticals if you’re joking or tongue-in-cheek ‐ Label your icons ‐ Provide multiple examples to establish a pattern
8. Challenge: Getting In Touch
9. Engaging Autistic Users ‐ Provide more than one channel ‐ Keep the number of steps required to initiate contact low ‐ Allow people to engage at own pace
10. Final Thoughts Be empathetic Design for a broad range of skillsets Have autistic folks test your stuff
11. Thanks! twitter.com/carlymho