How neurodivergent-focused design approach validated 89% user satisfaction in pre-launch testing
Client
Founder
Services
Inclusive Design,
User Psychology Research, Mobile UX
Industries
Health Tech, Mental Wellness, MVP
Date
Q2-Q3 2025
Study the problem
Market research showed existing habit tracking apps had only 23% completion rate among ADHD users compared to 67% for neurotypical users. This represented a significant underserved market opportunity with 6.1 million adults diagnosed with ADHD in the US alone. Traditional habit trackers treated all users the same way, focusing on streaks, showing incomplete tasks prominently, and using guilt-based motivation. Our user interviews with 45 ADHD individuals revealed they felt "attacked by their own apps" and experienced shame spirals when seeing uncompleted tasks. My research identified that ADHD users responded better to celebration of partial progress, flexible goal structures, and positive reinforcement patterns. The key insight: ADHD brains need dopamine rewards for motivation, not shame-based pressure.
The strategic approach
Design execution
Prototype testing strategy
MVP validation results
In this project, I learned that designing for neurodivergent users requires fundamentally rethinking motivation psychology from the ground up, not just adjusting existing patterns. MVP success proved that when we design for different brains first, we create breakthrough products that can redefine entire categories — our inclusive approach is now our competitive advantage.
