When discussing digital accessibility, the focus often lies on making content accessible to individuals who are blind, hard of hearing, or have mobility impairments. However, there is a niche but vital area within this field: tailoring websites to the needs of individuals with sensory sensitivity. These are people who may experience discomfort or overload when interacting with digital content, especially due to intense visual or auditory stimuli.

What is Sensory Sensitivity?

Sensory sensitivity refers to a condition where the brain processes sensory inputs more intensely, which can lead to overload, stress, or even pain. In a digital context, this often includes:

• Sudden animations and flashing elements, which may cause anxiety or, in extreme cases, trigger seizures.
• Loud or unexpected sounds, especially when they play automatically upon entering a website.
• High-contrast or overly bright colors, which can be overwhelming for the eyes.
• Too much on-screen information at once, creating a sense of chaos and difficulty focusing.

How to Design Websites for People with Sensory Sensitivity

Avoid Auto-Playing Content

‍Automatically playing videos or audio can be a source of stress. Instead, allow users to decide when they want to engage with such content.

Ditch Flashing and Dynamic Animations

‍Elements like rapidly changing banners, flashing ads, or parallax scrolling effects can cause sensory overload. Use animations sparingly and provide an option to disable them.

Opt for Subdued Color Palettes

‍Avoid neon colors and overly harsh contrasts. Choose natural, muted tones and ensure sufficient contrast for users with visual impairments.

Offer a "Low Sensory" Mode

‍Increasingly, apps and websites are introducing low sensory modes that minimize intense visual and auditory stimuli. Ensure this option is easy to access from the main menu.

Simplify Information Presentation

‍A minimalist design and clear layout can prevent a sense of chaos. Break content into smaller sections, and use subtle highlights for important elements.

Test with Sensory-Sensitive Individuals

‍A critical step in creating accessible websites is involving real users in the testing process. Invite individuals with sensory sensitivities to provide feedback.

Benefits for All Users

Adapting websites for people with sensory sensitivities benefits a broader audience. Reducing flashing elements, auto-playing sounds, and chaotic layouts makes websites more user-friendly for everyone, regardless of their needs.

Conclusion

Although addressing the needs of people with sensory sensitivity may seem like a niche topic, it is a significant step toward achieving true digital inclusivity. In an era where much of life happens online, it’s essential to remember that designing for specific groups makes websites better for all users.