Designing for Users on the Autism Spectrum

Hi, I’m Carly Ho Senior Engineer, Clique Studios @carlymho

What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Challenge: Sensory Overload

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

Challenge: Clear Communication

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

Challenge: Getting In Touch

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

Final Thoughts Be empathetic Design for a broad range of skillsets Have autistic folks test your stuff

Thanks! twitter.com/carlymho

Designing for Users on the Autism Spectrum