How to Create
Neurodiverse-Friendly Archives

As the archival profession embraces a broader commitment to accessibility and equity, it must consider how design choices affect neurodivergent archives users.

Neurodiversity is a term that recognizes neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory processing disorders as natural variations of the human experience.

These differences can shape how individuals engage with archival environments, both physical and digital. However, archival design often reflects neurotypical expectations, which can unintentionally create barriers for those who process information differently. 

Why Do Neurodiverse-Friendly Archives Matter?

Creating neurodiverse-friendly archives requires a shift in perspective to an inclusive design approach that anticipates and welcomes a wide range of cognitive experiences. By embracing neurodiversity as part of the community archives are meant to serve, institutions can foster calmer, clearer, and more inclusive environments. 

Learning to Understand Different Archives Users and Their Needs

Neurodivergent individuals may have different needs when interacting with archival systems, spaces, and staff. For example, someone with ADHD may struggle with overstimulating environments or find it difficult to process complex instructions without a clear structure. A person on the autism spectrum might experience sensory sensitivities to lighting or noise and prefer written communication over verbal interaction. Someone with dyslexia may need access to materials in formats that support readability and focus. 

How to Design an Archives for Neurodiverse Communities

Despite the wide variety of experiences under the neurodiversity umbrella, many of the barriers some users face in archives stem from design choices that presume uniformity in behavior, attention span, communication style, and sensory processing. Neurodiverse-friendly design aims to create systems and environments that reduce friction and promote autonomy. Let’s explore how to design archives that are accessible to everyone.

1. Design Physical Spaces That Support Neurodiversity

Traditional archival reading rooms often prioritize security and order, with silent atmospheres, rigid rules, and bright lighting. However, these settings can be overwhelming or inaccessible for some neurodivergent users. Sensory-friendly design can help address these issues. For example, soft, adjustable lighting reduces overstimulation for users with light sensitivity. Noise-canceling panels or designated quiet spaces can create calmer environments. Comfortable seating options can help users self-regulate. 

Signage should be clear, concise, and consistent, using symbols alongside text when possible. Floor plans and visual guides can help users navigate the space independently, reducing anxiety and disorientation. Users’ flexibility with staff (e.g., written instructions, visual checklists, or online chat) respects various communication preferences. 

Policies around behavior and interaction should also be reviewed with inclusivity in mind. Allowing users to take breaks, move, or wear assistive devices without drawing attention helps create a welcoming atmosphere. Staff training can go a long way in building comfort with patrons.

2. Build Neurodiverse-Friendly Digital Experiences

Digital archival platforms present both challenges and opportunities for accessibility. Many neurodivergent users rely on digital tools that help them organize thoughts, control distractions, or access information in non-linear ways. Unfortunately, archival websites and finding aids are often dense, jargon-heavy, and visually cluttered. 

To support neurodivergent users, archival websites should prioritize clean, consistent layouts with minimal distractions. Avoid autoplay features, excessive animation, or content that shifts dynamically. Use precise language, short paragraphs, and bullet points where appropriate. Avoid archival jargon without explanation and provide glossaries for specialized terms. 

Color contrast should meet accessibility standards and avoid harsh pairings that may be uncomfortable for users with sensory sensitivities. Fonts should be legible, with sufficient spacing between lines and paragraphs. Offering a “reader mode” or the option to adjust text size, font, and color scheme can allow users to tailor the experience to their needs. 

Navigation is especially critical. Users should be able to locate and understand menus, headings, and filters. Descriptive links, breadcrumb trails, and intuitive hierarchies support focus and reduce cognitive load. For finding aids and collection descriptions, clarity and consistency are essential. Structure content with headings, summarize key points, and indicate how to access physical or digital materials.

3. Rethink Reference and Outreach Interactions

Reference interactions can also be redesigned with neurodiversity in mind. Allowing patrons to request materials or ask questions via email, web forms, or chat provides options beyond face-to-face or phone communication. Clear expectations support users who struggle with ambiguity, such as what information to include in a request, how long a response may take, and how follow-up works. 

Workshops and outreach efforts can include visual schedules, content summaries, and clear time limits. Group tours or presentations can be offered in sensory-friendly formats, with smaller group sizes, optional participation, or recorded versions for asynchronous viewing.

4. Design Archives for the Full Range of Human Experience

Neurodiverse-friendly practices improve the usability of archival services. Practices like simplified navigation, clear communication, and flexible policies benefit all users. Inclusive design makes archives more welcoming, less intimidating, and more functional. 

Embracing neurodiversity as part of archival accessibility is necessary to create genuinely public-facing institutions. When archives are designed to accommodate the full range of human experience, they fulfill their mission more fully as spaces of connection, care, and collective memory.