Overview

Role: UX Designer (solo project)
Timeline: Semester project
Tools: Figma, FigJam, Miro, Google Forms, Lookback
Methods: Literature review, competitive analysis, survey, affinity mapping, empathy mapping, ideation workshops, wireframing, usability testing (2 rounds), design system creation
Focus: Accessibility, cognitive load reduction, inclusive design

Goal:
Design a mobile planning tool that supports young adults with Autism and ADHD in managing routines and tasks with less stress, reduced cognitive load, and greater independence.

The Problem

Many young adults with Autism or ADHD find traditional planning tools overwhelming.
They struggle with time blindness, decision paralysis, and cognitive overload.
Most apps on the market are either too rigid or too complex, lacking emotional reassurance and accessibility.

 

Problem Statement:
Current planning tools are too complex and cognitively demanding for neurodiverse users.
A simplified, supportive, and accessible planner can reduce anxiety and improve daily routines.

 

Vision:
Empower neurodiverse users with a calm, predictable, and emotionally supportive tool that builds confidence and independence.

Process: Design Thinking

1. Empathize

To deeply understand the challenges, I combined literature review, competitive analysis, and surveys:

• Literature review uncovered struggles with executive functioning, sensory overload, and time management (Barkley, 2011; Sweller, 1988).

• Competitive analysis of Brili, Structured, and Tiimo showed gaps in emotional reassurance and cognitive simplicity.

• Survey with neurodiverse adults confirmed frustration with fragmented tools, judgmental reminders, and overwhelming interfaces.

Key insights:

• Users want early and gentle reminders, not last-minute alerts.

• They need structure, but flexibility and kind tone.

• They value clarity and emotional reassurance.

2. Define

Synthesized insights into an empathy map and affinity map, then developed a persona:

Anna Johansen, 28, Junior Graphic Designer

• Feels overwhelmed by where to start

• Forgets deadlines

• Needs visual clarity, supportive reminders, and a sense of progress

Point of View:
A neurodiverse young adult needs a supportive planning tool to manage routines with less stress.

Problem Statement:
Planning tools must reduce cognitive load, offer emotional reassurance, and support consistency through clarity and structure.

3. Ideate

Using brainstorming, mind mapping, and How Might We questions, I generated solutions.
Key concepts were prioritized with MoSCoW and Impact vs. Feasibility:

Must-haves:

• Calm onboarding with accessibility options

• Today View with top 3 tasks

• Supportive reminders with customizable tone

• Done List for motivation

Design principles:

• Simplicity – reduce cognitive load

• Consistency – predictable patterns

• Accessibility – adjustable contrast, text size

• Progressive disclosure – show only what’s needed

4. Prototype

Started with paper sketches → low-fidelity wireframes in Figma → high-fidelity prototypes guided by a custom Design System.

• Tested flows for onboarding, Today View, and task postponement.

• Created a Design System with calm colors, clear typography, and accessible components (WCAG AA).

5. Test

Two rounds of usability testing:

Round 1 – Low Fidelity
Focus: IA & flow
Findings:

• Onboarding unclear → added progress indicator + “Skip”

• Today/Week confusion → renamed with helper text

• Defer button hidden → made primary action

Round 2 – High Fidelity
Focus: Visual design & emotional tone
Findings:

• Supportive reminders were praised (“One step at a time”)

• Today View with 3 tasks reduced stress

• Users wanted a “View More” option

Changes applied:

• Preview reminder tone

• “View more tasks” option

• Motivational Done List with subtle animation

Design System & Accessibility

Created an accessibility-first design system:

• Color palette: calm neutrals + soft accent

• Typography: legible, scalable text

• Components: clear states, high contrast, large tap targets

• WCAG 2.1 AA compliance

• Accessibility built into navigation, tone, and flow — not an afterthought.

Outcomes

Memo Planner Go enables neurodiverse users to:

• Focus on one step at a time

• Feel reassured, not pressured

• Manage routines with clarity and confidence

Core result:
A validated, inclusive design that merges usability, accessibility, and emotional support.

Reflection

This project taught me:

• Accessibility and usability are inseparable.

• Emotional reassurance is a design challenge as important as functionality.

• Iterative testing is critical — assumptions often fail under real user behavior.

• Recruitment for neurodiverse users requires trust-building and adapted methods.

Next Steps

• Conduct longitudinal testing (2–4 weeks) with neurodiverse users.

• Explore mood-based planning and weekly reflections.

• Develop MVP for mobile devices and test with assistive technologies (VoiceOver, TalkBack).