Cognitive accessibility is often overlooked in the world of digital design. We focus so much on visual or auditory accessibility that we forget that people with cognitive disabilities experience websites and apps in a fundamentally different way.
Cognitive disabilities can range from learning disabilities like dyslexia to more complex conditions such as ADHD, autism, and brain injuries. Designing websites with these users in mind doesn’t just benefit them—it makes websites more intuitive and usable for everyone.
1. Clear and simple language
One of the first steps in designing for cognitive accessibility is ensuring the language is simple and clear. Avoid jargon, complex sentences, and overly technical terms. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and headers to break up text. The goal is to make information digestible for users who might struggle with processing dense or technical content.
Example:
The UK Government website excels at this by using plain English across its entire site. For instance, it uses “start work” instead of “commence employment” and structures content into short paragraphs with clear subheadings. This approach supports users with dyslexia or processing difficulties and enhances clarity for everyone.
2. Logical structure and navigation
A website with a logical structure helps users make sense of where they are and how to get to where they need to go. For users with cognitive impairments, confusion caused by disorganised navigation can be frustrating and lead to abandonment. A consistent layout, clear headings, and intuitive navigation paths ensure that users can easily predict what to do next.
Example:
BBC Bitesize, an educational resource, organises its content into clearly labelled sections like “Key Facts,” “Activities,” and “Videos,” all linked with breadcrumb navigation. Each page has one clear purpose, which reduces cognitive load and helps neurodivergent users navigate confidently.
3. Predictable and consistent design
Predictability and consistency are key for users with cognitive disabilities. They often rely on consistency in how websites are structured and designed, so they don’t have to relearn how to navigate the same website every time they visit. Using familiar icons, buttons, and layouts can go a long way in reducing cognitive load.
Example:
In the Apple iOS Settings app, every screen follows a predictable layout: section headers, toggle switches, and consistent icons. This design is mirrored across Apple’s system apps, allowing users—especially those with ADHD or memory difficulties—to rely on pattern recognition and avoid unnecessary mental effort.
4. Interactive elements and feedback
When designing interactive elements, it’s crucial to provide feedback that indicates when an action has been successful or needs attention. For example, forms should validate inputs in real-time with clear error messages. This helps users with cognitive impairments know what is expected and provides confidence that their actions are being understood.
Example:
Booking.com provides instant feedback when users fill out a booking form. If a field is missing or filled incorrectly, a red warning and helpful message appear (e.g., “Please enter a valid email address”), along with visual cues like green ticks or red crosses. This reduces anxiety and confusion, supporting users who might otherwise find form-filling tasks overwhelming.
5. Support for multimodal interaction
Cognitive accessibility can also benefit from the use of multiple modes of communication. Offering options like text-to-speech, simple language translation, or even visual cues alongside written instructions can support diverse cognitive needs. This multimodal approach not only benefits users with cognitive disabilities but also enhances the experience for anyone who prefers different ways of interacting with content.
Example:
Microsoft Immersive Reader—available in tools like Microsoft Word and Edge—allows users to adjust font size, spacing, background colour, and line focus. It also provides text-to-speech and grammar support like syllable highlighting. This is a game-changer for users with dyslexia, visual stress, or processing disorders, offering greater control over how they consume content.
Conclusion
By designing websites that prioritise cognitive accessibility, we not only make our websites more inclusive for those with cognitive disabilities but also improve usability for all users. Cognitive accessibility is about creating a website that feels intuitive, easy to navigate, and capable of catering to a wide range of needs. Real-world examples—from Welcome to GOV.UK ’s plain language to Microsoft’s Immersive Reader—show that accessibility and good design go hand in hand. When in doubt, always remember: the simpler and clearer you make the experience, the better it will be for everyone.
