Cognitive accessibility: reduce load, increase predictability, keep focus

Cognitive accessibility supports many people: ADHD, autism, anxiety, brain injury, fatigue, aging, stress, and more. This page explains which site settings and design patterns help.

Site tools that directly reduce distraction

Reading guide and reading mask
  • Reading guide helps keep your place while scanning or re-reading.
  • Reading mask reduces “everything at once” by dimming above/below a reading band.
  • These tools are useful even if you do not identify as disabled.
Reduced motion

Motion can steal attention and increase fatigue. Use the site toggle or your OS setting (prefers-reduced-motion). This template avoids auto-play behavior and respects user choice.

Relaxed spacing + simpler font
  • Relaxed spacing helps reading speed and comprehension for many users.
  • The “Easier-to-read” font option avoids thin strokes and keeps letterforms distinct.

Design patterns that help cognition

  • Chunking: short sections with clear headings
  • Consistency: navigation stays in the same place
  • Plain language: fewer acronyms, more examples
  • Progressive disclosure: details/summary for optional depth
  • Error tolerance: avoid “lossy” actions (don’t wipe form input)
  • Predictable UI: avoid surprise popups and layout shifts
  • Choice reduction: fewer competing CTAs per view
  • Time flexibility: avoid short timeouts