[Manthra Shriman Narayan]

This is such an important question, especially because when we talk about inclusive design, the conversation usually leans towards culture, literacy levels, or low connectivity. Those are critical, but neuro-inclusion still feels like a relatively underexplored space in mainstream UX discussions. Bias here is even harder to spot because it is baked into how we define “good” design. We optimise for clarity, speed, and efficiency, often through a neurotypical lens. I have found that the first step is simply pausing and asking, who might struggle with this, and why? That shift from assuming a default user to questioning our assumptions changes how we approach everything from flows to microcopy.

What has helped me is bringing more diverse voices into the process, not just at the testing stage but earlier in discovery. When you start listening to people with different cognitive styles, you realise how limiting one size fits all experiences can be. It also pushes you to design more flexible systems, giving users control over how they consume information or complete tasks instead of forcing a single ideal path.

To keep that awareness ongoing, it cannot just rely on individual intent. Embedding small reflection moments into design reviews, like explicitly asking what assumptions we are making, goes a long way. Over time, it builds a team habit where inclusivity is not a checklist, but a lens you naturally design through.

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