Is Your Website Losing ADHD Visitors? Here's How to Fix It (From a Designer Who Has ADHD)

Not long ago, I found out I have ADHD. And honestly? It explained a lot — about my life, my energy, and why I've always been drawn to design.

But it also made me look at my work differently. I've always been careful to design accessible websites for people with visual or hearing impairments. Yet here I was, someone with ADHD, realising I'd never once thought about how people like me actually experience the web.

So I went deep on the research. And what I found surprised me — because the changes that make a website ADHD-friendly don't just help neurodivergent users. They make websites better for everyone. More focused. More engaging. More likely to convert.

Here's what I now consider essential for every site I build.

Why This Actually Matters for Your Business

Before we get into the "how," let's talk about the "why."

Around 1 in 10 people in the UK have ADHD — and that's just the diagnosed cases. When someone with ADHD lands on a website that's cluttered, hard to navigate, or full of distractions, they don't push through. They leave. Immediately.

That's real traffic. Real potential customers. Gone.

The good news is that the fixes are mostly design decisions — not expensive rebuilds. And the results benefit everyone visiting your site, ADHD or not.

First things first: Understanding the Challenge

People with ADHD often experience difficulties with attention, memory, and impulsivity. This is totally me, especially the attention bit. Too much on the page and I’m gone. Adios!

This can translate into struggles with websites that are cluttered, text-heavy, or overloaded with flashy animations.

My goal is to create a digital safe space that fosters engagement without triggering unwanted mental roadblocks.

Now, let's dive into the actionable tips:

1. Embrace Simplicity: Less Is More

I'll be the first to admit my earlier designs were a bit of a colour overload. Fun and bold, yes — but not exactly easy to focus on. I've learned my lesson.

Declutter your layout. White space isn't wasted space. It gives the eye somewhere to rest and the brain a chance to process what it's seeing. Think zen garden, not Las Vegas casino.

Chunk your content. Large walls of text are a hard stop for anyone with ADHD (and honestly, for most people). Short paragraphs, clear headings, and the occasional bullet point make content scannable and digestible.

Prioritise contrast. Strong font choices and clean colour palettes make text readable without effort. Subtle gradients and intricate background patterns might look clever, but they create visual noise that pushes people away.

2. Prioritise Focus and Flow

Keep navigation simple and predictable. If someone has to think about how to get around your site, you've already lost them. Consistent menu placement and clear, intuitive labels are non-negotiable.

Cut the distractions. Auto-playing videos, flashing banners, and intrusive pop-ups are ADHD kryptonite. Every element on your page should earn its place. If it doesn't serve the user, it doesn't belong there.

3. Engage Multiple Senses — Strategically

Use visuals with purpose. Images, infographics, and short videos break up text and give the brain something different to engage with. Just make sure every visual element is actually earning its keep, decorative clutter has the opposite effect.

Think beyond text. Audio descriptions and text-to-speech options aren't just accessibility features — they cater to how many people actually prefer to consume content.

Use interactive elements sparingly. Hover effects, expandable sections, or a well-placed quiz can encourage active engagement. The key word is sparingly, every interaction should feel intentional, not overwhelming.

Is Your Website Working Against You?

Here's the thing — most business owners don't know their website is losing them visitors until they look at the data. High traffic, low conversions, high bounce rates. Sound familiar?

That combination is often a design problem, not a traffic problem. And it's very fixable.

I offer website audits where I review your site through this lens — looking at layout, clarity, navigation, and how the experience actually feels for users. You get a clear, jargon-free action plan with specific changes that will make a real difference.

If your website is getting visitors but not converting them, let's fix that.

Drop me a message using the contact form below and tell me a bit about your site and I’ll show you how I can help make your site more ADHD friendly.