Inclusive Design: Where Growth Begins
- hannahoheine
- Jan 23
- 3 min read
Make Accessibility A Built-In, Not A Bolt-On
Every mind is unique and good design recognizes that. When you build with neurodiversity in mind, you’re not just checking an accessibility box. You’re creating a brand that works for real people in real ways, which is exactly how meaningful growth happens. If your visuals, interfaces, or branding exclude them, you’re not just leaving people out — you’re leaving opportunity out.
So how do we, as designers and businesses, create experiences that help more people grow with us? We start by designing for every brain in the room.
Here's how to effectively implement inclusive design...
Fonts That Everyone Can Read
Typography has more power than most people realize. For readers with dyslexia, highly stylized fonts (especially ones with mirrored shapes or tightly packed letters) can slow comprehension to a crawl. Clean, sans-serif fonts (think Arial, Helvetica, or Verdana) are often the most accessible. Increasing line spacing and avoiding justified text also reduces visual stress. A good rule of thumb? If it looks “artsy” but requires squinting, it’s not inclusive.
Color Choices That Include, Not Exclude
Color is a design superpower, but it’s also a common barrier. Roughly 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women experience some form of color vision deficiency, so relying on color alone to convey information is risky. Use contrast ratios that meet WCAG standards (at least 4.5:1 for normal text) and pair color with another indicator, like icons, patterns, or text labels. A green “Go” button shouldn’t just be green; it should be bold, clear, and unmistakable.
Animations With Purpose, Not Chaos
Movement grabs attention, but too much of it can overwhelm users with ADHD or autism. Flashing banners, autoplay videos, or constant micro-animations can feel like being in a room with ten TVs on at once. Instead, use animation intentionally: to guide focus, mark progress, or celebrate a completed action. Subtle transitions, progress bars, or a satisfying checkmark animation can enhance usability without sensory overload.
Structure That Guides, Not Confuses
People process information differently, so navigation and layout need to feel intuitive at first glance. Clear headings, consistent menu placement, and logical flow keep users from getting lost. Chunking information into bite-sized sections also helps users scan quickly…something valuable not just for neurodivergent users, but for busy humans in general. Think of it as creating “rest stops” on the road of your design.
Choice & Flexibility Built In
There’s no single “perfect” design for everyone. That’s why giving users control is so powerful. Options like dark mode, adjustable text size, or the ability to turn off background motion let people tailor the experience to their needs. This small act of flexibility says: we thought of you, we respect your needs, and we want you to stay.
Design Prompt: Growth Through Inclusion
Here’s your challenge: Take a design you’ve already created: a landing page, a flyer, a social post. Then reimagine it with neurodiverse users in mind. For example:
Swap the font for one that boosts readability.
Check your color contrast with a tool like Color Contrast Checker.
Remove (or refine) one distracting animation.
Break down one section into scannable chunks.
Then compare the two versions. Ask yourself: Which one helps more people grow with us?
Because design isn’t just about looking good. It’s about making growth accessible.
Everything we share here is meant to be helpful and inspiring. We’re speaking from experience. Please consult a qualified professional to help make decisions. You are responsible for how you choose to use this information, and we are not liable for any loss, damages, or issues that may arise. We can’t be responsible for how things play out, but we’re always rooting for your success!
Author: Hannah Heine
Editor: Jenn Hart (More About Me)
Associate Editor: Sarah Dawoud
Art: Sharon Bakas
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