Designing for diversity: Enhancing your university’s website for neurodiverse students

A university’s website is usually the first point of contact for prospective students, not to mention current attendees, the wider community, and anyone with a passing interest. And because they are the go-to place for information, it’s vital that they’re designed with inclusivity in mind. They need to meet the diverse needs of every single potential user, including those with neurological differences. At 10 Degrees we feel like that’s the bare minimum a website should do – make sure anyone and everyone can use it.

What do we mean by neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity as a concept actually covers a really wide range of differences in brain function and behavioural traits, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD and dyslexia. These neurological differences can affect a person’s sensory processing, attention, communication, and social interactions. So it’s important that all information on your website is presented in a way everyone can understand and easily process, whether they’re neurodiverse, neurotypical or anywhere in between.  

“In the UK, 15-20% of the population is neurodivergent, with thinking and learning styles that differ from what’s considered typical. This equates to 13 million people.” – Dan Harris, Founder and CEO of charity Neurodiversity in Business

The importance of inclusive web design for neurodiverse students

For neurodiverse students, navigating a university’s website can present a unique set of challenges. Sensory overload, difficulty processing complex information, and barriers to communication can all create a frustrating and, all too often, exclusionary online experience. 
But by wholeheartedly embracing inclusive web design principles, universities can make sure that their digital platforms are accessible and welcoming to each and every student.

We understand the significance of creating inclusive digital experiences, it’s been a drum we’ve banged for years, so our team just gets how much of a difference small changes can really make to someone’s day/week/whole university experience. Our web designers and developers have years of experience helping universities develop websites that not only meet the diverse needs of their student bodies, but exceed their expectations!

Designing for neurodiversity: Best practices

There are a few best practices that our team follows when it comes to inclusive web design for neurodiverse students:

• Simplify your navigation and content structure:  A clear and logically constructed navigation, combined with a well-organised content hierarchy, can seriously help reduce cognitive load and make it easier for neurodiverse students to find the information they need.
• Make it multisensory: Making use of a range of media formats: text, images, videos and audio, means you’re actively catering to different sensory preferences and learning styles, making your information accessible to a wider range of students.
• Customisable user interfaces: By offering customisation options, like adjustable font sizes, colour schemes, and layout preferences, you can help neurodiverse students make the website work for them, instead of against them.
• Clear communication: Using plain language, avoiding jargon, and providing crystal clear instructions can really reduce confusion for students with language processing challenges.
• Inclusive design elements: Design elements should be always considerate of sensory sensitivities, we try to minimise distracting animations, as well as providing alternative text for any visual content. Even the smallest things can create a more comfortable and accessible online experience.

“Website accessibility boils down to three things: the legal requirements, the commercial opportunity, and the moral imperative.” – Paul Smyth, Head of Digital Accessibility at Barclays

The benefits of an inclusive university website

Partnering with 10 Degrees to make your site more inclusive comes with so many benefits, not just for your student body, but for your institution as a whole:

• Improve the student experience: A well-designed, inclusive website can really boost the overall student experience, making everyone feel included and considered, and encouraging better engagement with university resources and services.
• Increased accessibility: Making sure your website adheres to accessibility standards isn’t just a tick box exercise; it can help break down barriers and promote equal access to the same high standard of education for all students.
• Positive reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility can only strengthen your university’s reputation as the progressive and socially responsible institution that you are!
• Compliance with legal requirements: Prioritising inclusive web design means you can be confident your university’s website complies with relevant accessibility laws and regulations, mitigating any potential legal risks.
• Clear communication: Using plain language, avoiding jargon, and providing crystal clear instructions can really reduce confusion for students with language processing challenges.
• Inclusive design elements: Design elements should be always considerate of sensory sensitivities, we try to minimise distracting animations, as well as providing alternative text for any visual content. Even the smallest things can create a more comfortable and accessible online experience.

Your next step towards inclusivity

Inclusive web design is not just a best practice, it’s a moral necessity. By considering the diverse needs of all of your students, including those who are neurodiverse, universities can, and should, create digital experiences that really echo that unique sense of belonging a good university fosters. Not just by providing equal access to education, but by building an environment of inclusivity and understanding. A place everyone can be proud to be a part of! 

Ready to take the first step towards creating an inclusive university website? Shoot us a message and let’s get going! 

The Author

Jonny Vaughan

Founder & Technical Director of 10 Degrees. Jonny's day to day focus is on determining the best technical solutions for our clients, driving technical innovation and leading our sustainability agenda.

The 10 Degrees Team