Designing with Diversity: How Design Systems Can Empower Neurodivergent Designers
- María Verónica Sonzini
- Apr 19, 2024
- 7 min read
Hello everyone,
As a designer with ADHD, I've often felt like an odd one out in the fast-paced, detail-oriented world of UX design. Balancing the creative demands with my neurodivergence has been a challenge, to say the least. Imagine a UX designer who struggles to focus or stay on track, constantly chasing perfection but rarely completing a project. It doesn't seem like a good match, does it? However, I've found a powerful ally in design systems, which have helped me stay focused and scoped throughout my career. Today, I want to share how these systems can create a more predictable and empowering work environment, not just for me but for many neurodivergent designers.
Understanding Neurodivergence in the Design Field
In the design field, neurodivergent individuals like myself bring unique strengths such as innovative problem-solving and exceptional pattern recognition. Our minds often see connections and possibilities that others might overlook, enabling us to bring fresh perspectives to creative challenges. However, working in traditional environments poses its own set of hurdles.
One significant challenge is navigating the sensory overloads that can occur in bustling office settings or during high-stakes meetings. These sensory inputs can be incredibly distracting and sometimes overwhelming, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand. Furthermore, the typical unstructured and spontaneous nature of creative work, which many find liberating, can be quite daunting for someone who thrives on routine and predictability.
Meetings, particularly those where we need to present ideas or defend our designs, can be a minefield. There’s always the fear that while my brain is buzzing with ideas, my ability to articulate them clearly and logically might not keep up. This is where the unstructured nature of brainstorming sessions or critique meetings really tests me. My thoughts might race ahead or dart in unexpected directions, and without a clear structure, I might struggle to make my points understood. It’s not just about having good ideas; it’s about communicating them effectively in a setting that often feels like it’s designed for neurotypical minds.
For neurodivergent designers, these situations underscore the need for work environments that recognize and adapt to our unique ways of processing information. By creating more structured ways to share and discuss ideas, workplaces can help ensure that all team members, regardless of neurotype, have the opportunity to contribute fully and effectively. This could mean providing agendas ahead of meetings, allowing for written submissions, or using visual aids to help articulate complex ideas—small adjustments that can make a big difference in inclusivity and productivity.
The Role of Design Systems in Supporting Neurodivergence
Design systems have been a game changer for me and countless other neurodivergent designers. These systems provide a structured set of guidelines and workflows that help manage the often overwhelming number of decisions we face daily. This structure is not merely about consistency—it's about reducing cognitive load, which is particularly beneficial for those of us who might get easily bogged down by myriad choices.
One of the key components of a design system is the establishment of libraries for different groupings of components. These libraries categorize elements such as buttons, forms, and icons in a way that they can be easily accessed and reused. This organization minimizes the need to start from scratch every time, which can be a significant drain on cognitive resources for a neurodivergent individual.
Moreover, having a style library that limits options for colors, typography, and spacing is crucial. For someone like me, decision fatigue can be real and debilitating. When a design system narrows down these choices, it doesn’t just speed up my workflow—it also ensures that my designs maintain consistency across the board, which is critical for brand coherence.
Pre-made templates are another aspect of design systems that provide substantial support. Whether it’s templates for standard web pages, marketing materials, or user interfaces, these ready-to-use resources allow designers to work not only faster but also more efficiently. These templates act as fail-safe starting points that can be adapted and customized as needed without the risk of deviating from established design standards.
Furthermore, these systems facilitate better collaboration among team members, which can be particularly advantageous for neurodivergent individuals who may struggle with verbal communication. With clear guidelines and examples in place, it’s easier for all team members to understand each other's work and build upon it without the need for extensive discussions or explanations, which can sometimes be a barrier for those of us who might find social interactions challenging.
In essence, design systems create a more predictable environment that can significantly ease the day-to-day challenges faced by neurodivergent designers. By reducing unnecessary stress and providing clear paths to follow, these systems allow us to focus more on what we do best: unleashing our creativity and innovating within a structured framework. This not only enhances personal job satisfaction but also contributes to producing high-quality, cohesive designs that resonate with users.
Tips! -that worked for me and might be helpful for you too
Creating an optimal work environment includes understanding and leveraging your strengths, especially for neurodivergent designers who might thrive under different conditions than their neurotypical peers. Here are some enhanced tips to help:
1. Familiarize Yourself with the System
Deep Dive into Documentation: Take the time to thoroughly understand each component and utility within the design system. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it can significantly ease daily tasks.
Regular Refreshers: Keep up-to-date with any changes or additions to the design system. Familiarity reduces anxiety and enhances usability.
2. Customize Your Workflow
Leverage Tools for Organization: Utilize project management tools that sync well with your design system to maintain an organized task list.
Set Personal Templates: Develop your own checklists and templates for recurring tasks to ensure consistency and efficiency without constant decision-making.
3. Communicate Your Needs
Preference for Written Communication: If you find that written communication allows you to better organize your thoughts and convey your ideas clearly, make it known. There’s no shame in preferring to write an email or a message instead of speaking on a video call or in person. People often appreciate the clarity and thoughtfulness that written communication can provide. Don't be scared to ask others to do the same for you: if you find that written questions, requests or directions work best for you -and allows you to read it over and over and over...- then just ask for it.
Feedback Mechanisms: Actively contribute to discussions about improving the design system, especially if certain features do not align with your needs. Your unique insights are valuable for system evolution.
4. Utilize Visual Aids
Enhance Understanding with Visuals: Use diagrams, wireframes, and detailed illustrations to aid comprehension and communication.
Create Visual Guides: Make personal visual references to frequently used processes and standards within the design system to streamline your workflow.
5. Manage Sensory Overload
Quiet Workspace: Customize both your physical and digital workspaces to minimize distractions.
Scheduled Breaks: Integrate breaks strategically into your schedule to prevent overload and fatigue, crucial for maintaining productivity and mental health.
6. Break Down Large Tasks
Task Segmentation: Simplify large projects into smaller, actionable items to mitigate work-related anxiety and improve manageability.
Visual Task Management: Implement visual tools like Kanban boards to keep track of progress and upcoming tasks, which can help in maintaining focus and momentum.
7. Seek Support When Needed
Mentorship and Peer Support: Engage with colleagues who use the design system, especially those who might share your neurodivergent traits or have experience in similar challenges.
Professional Development: Participate in training sessions to stay proficient and confident in using the design system.
8. Standardize with Templates
Documentation Templates: Create and use templates for common documents such as project briefs, design specifications, and meeting notes. This helps in maintaining clarity and consistency across communications.
Jira Ticket Templates: Standardize the format for tasks or issues in project management tools like Jira. This not only speeds up the process of ticket creation but also ensures that all necessary information is included, reducing back-and-forth communication.
9. Utilize Timers and Alarms for Time Management
Embrace Technology for Reminders: If keeping track of time and remembering meetings or tasks is challenging, technology can be your ally. Using alarms isn't just about avoiding forgotten meetings; it's about structuring your entire day in a way that aligns with your cognitive needs.
Physical Alarms Over Visual Cues: While some might find visual reminders on a computer or phone sufficient, others, like myself, find them easy to overlook. If you're like me, set audible alarms that demand attention. I personally find that the persistent ring of an alarm compels me to address it—it’s impossible to ignore, and honestly, it's a relief not to rely on my memory for everything.
Integrate Alarms with Essential Tasks: Don't limit alarms just to meetings. Use them for reminders to send emails, make calls, or even take short breaks. These can be crucial for maintaining productivity and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
Customization for Effectiveness: Customize your alarm tones and settings so that they are effective without being disruptive. The right tone can be a gentle nudge rather than a startling disruption, making it a helpful cue rather than a nuisance.
Just by integrating alarms into your daily routine, you create a structured approach that accommodates your neurodivergent needs. This method not only supports punctuality and responsibility but also reduces the stress of having to remember every detail on your own. It’s about making technology work for you, enabling you to focus more on your tasks and less on the clock.
The Broader Impact of Inclusive Design Systems
When we include diverse minds in our design teams, the products we create cater to a broader audience and the solutions we devise are richer and more comprehensive. An inclusive approach to design systems doesn't just help individuals—it enhances usability and functionality for all users.
Adopting design systems that consider neurodiversity isn't merely a practice of accommodation; it's about enriching our entire design process and output. It's about making the creative environment workable and welcoming for everyone, including those of us who see the world a little differently.
I encourage you to reflect on your own design practices. How could they be adapted to support neurodivergent thinkers like myself? If you're a neurodivergent designer, I’d love to hear about your experiences and any suggestions for improvement, so don't doubt and write to me!
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