Participants will analyze a digital platform, project, or artifact and find two accessibility or usability improvements, demonstrating their ability to balance original design elements with sensory-friendly options.
Sensory-friendly design guides, platforms to review.
1. Pick a Digital Platform, Project, or ArtifactIdentify a platform, project, or artifact you’re working on, using, or have encountered. This can be anything from a website, a digital tool, or an interactive media project.2. Identify Two Changes to Improve Accessibility or UsabilityReflect on potential changes that could make the experience more accessible or usable. It's important to think about how to maintain the original version for those who prefer it while offering an alternative for users who need more accessible or sensory-friendly options. Examples of changes include:• Simpler navigation: Create clearer menus with fewer distractions, helping users to navigate more easily.• Reduce overstimulation: Minimize or remove flashing images, sounds, or excessive animations, creating a calmer environment.• Offer alternative modes: Implement a calming or low-stimulation mode, allowing users to switch between the original version and a more sensory-friendly one as needed.3. Share Your Results with the GroupAfter identifying changes, present them to the group for feedback. Discuss the balance between keeping the original design for those who prefer it while providing an alternative version that meets different accessibility or sensory needs.
Sensory-friendly design is a crucial aspect of creating accessible environments, particularly in new media spaces where overstimulation can be prevalent. It aims to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities—such as those with autism, ADHD, PTSD, or other conditions that affect sensory processing—by minimizing overwhelming stimuli and fostering environments that prioritize user comfort and engagement.Sensory-friendly design is a practice of care and accessibility for communities historically excluded or underserved by technological and media platforms, which often fail to address diverse sensory needs. By incorporating sensory-friendly principles, we not only improve accessibility but also challenge the exclusionary design practices that often dominate tech spaces.This exercise encourages participants to think critically about how to reduce overstimulation—such as minimizing flashing images, complex navigation, or loud, abrupt sounds—in order to create more accessible media experiences. For those working in cultural organizing, technology, or media, sensory-friendly design ensures that events, platforms, and tools are accessible to a wider audience, fostering a more comfortable space for all users. This approach aligns with the broader goals of accessibility, addressing the unique needs of individuals who are often underserved in both digital and physical spaces.