NDWOMAN
Timeline
3 MONTHS
Role
UX RESEARCHER
& DESIGNER
Type of Work
USER-EXPERIENCED
DESIGN PROJECT
Neurodiversity encompasses neurological variations such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which are frequently misunderstood due to gendered stereotypes and age-related biases. As a UX designer, I worked with other team members to co-create an online hub that integrates self-assessment tools, mental health resources, and professional guidance.
"Embrace Her" 🧠 turned scattered mental health and neurodiversity resources into one supportive platform, helping women with ASD/ADHD feel more in control of their diagnosis, ensuring no one feels isolated.
CHALLENGE
Diagnosis
01
Users suspects they may have ADHD/ASD but is unable to confirm.
02
Users with ADHD/ASD struggle to find effective self-treatment tools and reliable resources.
03
Users with ADHD/ASD have difficulties obtaining reliable professionals for diagnosis and treatment.
USER RESEARCH
Research indicated that girls can only be diagnosed when they are more serious and more obvious than boys, while most of them are considered to be lively and rebellious. To gather insights, a survey of 30 women was crafted to explore various aspects, including user characteristics and their perspectives on the diagnostic process and its challenges.
"Among individuals with a diagnosis,
reported receiving it quite
late (after the age of twenty-one)."
75%
"10
participants disclosed having
suspicions about ASD and/or ADHD but lacked a formal diagnosis."
of them were aware of the
3
"Only
importance of having a formal assessment."
diagnosed women disclosed
experiencing mental health challenges such as depression and/or anxiety."
"All
PERSONA
1/2
"Self-identification Questionnaire is built to help diagnose."
QUICK ACCESS
THROUGH HOMEPAGE
QUICK PICK
SINGLE SELECTION
CHALLENGE
Self-treatment
01
Users suspects they may have ADHD/ASD but is unable to confirm.
02
Users with ADHD/ASD struggle to find effective self-treatment tools and reliable resources.
03
Users with ADHD/ASD have difficulties obtaining reliable professionals for diagnosis and treatment.
EMPATHY MAP
PERSONA
2/2
"Reading blogs and articles helps users gain a better understanding of their challenges."
INSIGHTS & RESOURCES
Blogs and articles are aimed at generating awareness about ADHD and ASD. It could also incorporate tools, resources, and strategies to help users navigate challenges related to academics, work, mental health, among others.
USER-DRIVEN ADJUSTMENTS
Brief introduction of ADHD & ASD is added in the last version, giving users a quick start of learning. Also, separated access to resources of ADHD & ASD has been created, reducing users' task completion time.
CHALLENGE
Professionals
01
Users suspects they may have ADHD/ASD but is unable to confirm.
02
Users with ADHD/ASD struggle to find effective self-treatment tools and reliable resources.
03
Users with ADHD/ASD have difficulties obtaining reliable professionals for diagnosis and treatment.
UNDERSTANDING USER PREFERENCES
Online help centers and specialists are considered the most useful professional resources by users from the survey.
“I’m not sure who to trust — there’s so much misinformation online.”
“I’ve been misdiagnosed before, so I’m hesitant to try again.”
“Even when I find someone, I’m not sure if they’re actually qualified to help.”
“I wish there were a verified list of professionals I could choose from.”
"Seeing a professional often means getting treated more quickly and effectively."
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
Professional services including specialist booking and care center navigation are designed to bridge self-learning to expert support, creating integrated health guidance. Users can also access directly to it after a self-assessment.
FINAL DESIGN
USER TESTING
80%
.
of participants reported that the self-assessment tool helped them better understand their symptoms and felt more confident about seeking further support.
70%
of users said the self-healing resources were clear, practical, and made them feel more in control of their condition.
60%
of participants expressed a higher intent to book a consultation with professionals.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Challenges in Recognition and Diagnosis
Late diagnoses and under recognition persist among neurodivergent women, impacting mental health and academic performance.
Importance of Early Intervention
Early diagnosis significantly enhances the overall quality of life for neurodivergent women, emphasizing the need for accessible tools and resources to facilitate timely support.
User-Centered Design Solutions
The crafted website prototype stands as a response to these challenges, offering solutions in the form of questionnaires, educational resources, and a supportive community for neurodivergent women.
-
Long-term Impact Assessment: Explore the long-term impact of early intervention and community support on the well-being of neurodivergent women.
-
Extension to Other Neurodivergent Identities: Consider expanding the project's focus to include a broader range of neurodivergent identities, acknowledging their unique challenges and needs.
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