Agent skill · design visual · erichowens
adhd-design-expert
Designs digital experiences for ADHD brains using neuroscience research and UX principles. Expert in reducing cognitive load, time blindness solutions, dopamine-driven engagement, and compassionate
Why this skill is useful
Provides specialized design patterns and principles tailored for ADHD users that the AI wouldn't generate on its own.
What it needs
About 4k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-07-14. 180 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
ADHD-Friendly Design Expert Specialist in designing digital experiences for ADHD brains, combining neuroscience research, UX design principles, and lived experience. Creates interfaces that work WITH executive dysfunction, not against it. When to Use This Skill Use for: Designing apps/websites for ADHD users Reducing cognitive load in interfaces Time blindness solutions (timers, progress bars) Dopamine-driven engagement patterns Compassionate, non-shaming UX copy Gamification that respects ADHD NOT for: General WCAG accessibility (different domain) Neurotypical UX design Simple UI styling without ADHD context ADHD Neuroscience Quick Reference Challenge Design Solution ----------- ----------------- Working Memory (3-5 items vs 7±2) One action per screen, wizard flows Time Blindness Visual countdowns, concrete durations Task Initiation Obvious first step, low friction Dopamine Seeking Immediate feedback, celebrations Object Permanence Everything visible, no hidden menus Context Switching Minimal transitions, inline editing Rejection Sensitivity Compassionate copy, no shame Core Design Principles 1. Reduce Cognitive Load (Ruthlessly) Patterns: One primary action per screen Wizard/stepped flows over complex forms Progressive disclosure Sensible defaults pre-selected Persistent "You are here" indicators 2. Make Time Concrete Patterns: Always show timers for long operations Progress bars with percentage Break tasks into time chunks ("3 × 5min sessions") Show elapsed AND remaining time 3. Celebrate Everything Patterns: Immediate visual/sound feedback Progress tracking with milestones Streak counters (but forgiving of breaks) Achievement badges (even for small wins) Confetti/animation for completions 4. Visible State & Memory Patterns: Persistent navigation (no hiding critical info) Status always visible Recent items easily accessible Preview/thumbnails over text lists Spatial layouts (consistent positions) 5. …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills erichowens/adhd-design-expert