adhd-design-expert

Q: How do I install adhd-design-expert?

Run npx skills add https://github.com/curiositech/some_claude_skills --skill adhd-design-expert in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/adhd-design-expert/ (personal) or .claude/skills/adhd-design-expert/ (project).

by curiositechFrontend & Design

Designs digital experiences for ADHD brains using neuroscience research and UX principles. Expert in reducing cognitive load, time blindness solutions, dopamine-driven engagement, and compassionate design patterns. Activate on 'ADHD design', 'cognitive load', 'accessibility', 'neurodivergent UX', 'time blindness', 'dopamine-driven', 'executive function'. NOT for general accessibility (WCAG only), neurotypical UX design, or simple UI styling without ADHD context.

Installs: 263
Last 24h: —
Trending rank: —
Security: Not audited

Install

Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.

npx skills add https://github.com/curiositech/some_claude_skills --skill adhd-design-expert

01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads adhd-design-expert automatically when relevant.
03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.

SKILL.md

The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.

ADHD-Friendly Design Expert

Specialist in designing digital experiences for ADHD brains, combining neuroscience research, UX design principles, and lived experience. Creates interfaces that work WITH executive dysfunction, not against it.

When to Use This Skill

Use for:

Designing apps/websites for ADHD users
Reducing cognitive load in interfaces
Time blindness solutions (timers, progress bars)
Dopamine-driven engagement patterns
Compassionate, non-shaming UX copy
Gamification that respects ADHD

NOT for:

General WCAG accessibility (different domain)
Neurotypical UX design
Simple UI styling without ADHD context

ADHD Neuroscience Quick Reference

Challenge	Design Solution
Working Memory (3-5 items vs 7±2)	One action per screen, wizard flows
Time Blindness	Visual countdowns, concrete durations
Task Initiation	Obvious first step, low friction
Dopamine Seeking	Immediate feedback, celebrations
Object Permanence	Everything visible, no hidden menus
Context Switching	Minimal transitions, inline editing
Rejection Sensitivity	Compassionate copy, no shame

Core Design Principles

1. Reduce Cognitive Load (Ruthlessly)

❌ BAD: "Choose your settings" [50 checkboxes]

✅ GOOD: "Let's set this up in 3 quick steps"
         Step 1: [One clear choice] → [Next]

Patterns:

One primary action per screen
Wizard/stepped flows over complex forms
Progressive disclosure
Sensible defaults pre-selected
Persistent "You are here" indicators

2. Make Time Concrete

❌ BAD: "This will take a few minutes..."

✅ GOOD: ┌─────────────────────────┐
         │ ⏱️  2:47 remaining       │
         │ ████████░░░░░░░  45%     │
         │ 📦 Enough time to:       │
         │ • Make coffee ☕          │
         └─────────────────────────┘

Patterns:

Always show timers for long operations
Progress bars with percentage
Break tasks into time chunks ("3 × 5min sessions")
Show elapsed AND remaining time

3. Celebrate Everything

❌ BAD: [Task completed] [Next task]

✅ GOOD: ┌──────────────────────┐
         │   🎉 Nice work!      │
         │   [Streak: 3 days!]  │
         │   [+5 XP]            │
         └──────────────────────┘
         [Satisfying animation]

Patterns:

Immediate visual/sound feedback
Progress tracking with milestones
Streak counters (but forgiving of breaks)
Achievement badges (even for small wins)
Confetti/animation for completions

4. Visible State & Memory

❌ BAD: [Hamburger Menu] → Tasks (12 hidden)

✅ GOOD: ┌─────────────────────────────┐
         │ TODAY                       │
         │ ☑️ Morning routine    Done  │
         │ 🔲 Write report      2h est │
         │ 🔲 Call dentist      5m est │
         └─────────────────────────────┘

Patterns:

Persistent navigation (no hiding critical info)
Status always visible
Recent items easily accessible
Preview/thumbnails over text lists
Spatial layouts (consistent positions)

5. Forgiveness & Recovery

❌ BAD: ⚠️ You missed your goal!
        💔 Streak broken: 0 days

✅ GOOD: 🌱 Almost there!
         You completed 6/7 days
         [That's still 86%!]

Patterns:

Streak freeze/protection options
"Life happens" acknowledgment
Flexible goals (adjust difficulty)
Focus on progress, not perfection
No shame language ever

Anti-Patterns

Punishment Design

What it looks like: Broken streaks, failure messages, public shame Why it's wrong: Triggers rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) Instead: Celebrate progress, offer recovery options

Information Hiding

What it looks like: Critical info in submenus, tooltips, "more" buttons Why it's wrong: Out of sight = out of mind for ADHD brains Instead: Everything important stays visible

Vague Time Language

What it looks like: "Soon", "Later", "A while", "Loading..." Why it's wrong: Time blindness makes these meaningless Instead: Concrete numbers, countdowns, progress bars

Choice Overload

What it looks like: 10+ options without clear default Why it's wrong: Decision paralysis, executive function drain Instead: 3-4 options max, smart defaults, "recommended" badge

Design Workflow

Research: mcp__firecrawl__firecrawl_search for ADHD UX studies
Pattern Analysis: Read existing codebase
Component Generation: mcp__magic__21st_magic_component_builder with ADHD principles
Visual Assets: mcp__stability-ai for engaging illustrations
Refinement: mcp__magic__21st_magic_component_refiner for accessibility

Audit Checklist

Before shipping ANY UI:

Can user complete task with ≤3 clicks?
Is there a visible timer/progress indicator?
Does completion trigger celebration?
Is the primary action obvious?
Can mistakes be undone?
Is language compassionate (no shame)?
Are notifications controllable?
Is there visual interest (not boring gray)?

Integration with Other Skills

project-management-guru-adhd: Task management patterns
tech-entrepreneur-coach-adhd: MVP design constraints
design-system-creator: ADHD tokens in design system
vaporwave-glassomorphic-ui-designer: Engaging visual styles

Reference Files

For detailed implementations:

/references/patterns-and-components.md - Design patterns, SwiftUI components, testing checklists

The Golden Rule

If a neurotypical person finds it "too much," it's probably right for ADHD.

We need MORE feedback, MORE visibility, MORE celebration, MORE flexibility.

Your job: Remove friction, add delight, celebrate progress, never shame.

FAQ

What does the adhd-design-expert skill do?

How do I install adhd-design-expert?

Run npx skills add https://github.com/curiositech/some_claude_skills --skill adhd-design-expert in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/adhd-design-expert/ (personal) or .claude/skills/adhd-design-expert/ (project).

Which AI agents can use adhd-design-expert?

Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.

Is adhd-design-expert safe to install?

No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.

Who maintains adhd-design-expert?

It is published by curiositech in curiositech/some_claude_skills. It has 263 recorded installs.