Bernadette Smail
Bernadette works as a UX Researcher and Product- & Service-Designer at IBM Canada, designing experiences for clients in the Banking, Government, Hospitality, Education, Arts, Oil, and Transportation sector. The mom of two kids with AD(H)D was recently diagnosed herself. The realization that her perception of the world was fundamentally different from her peers and largely responsible for her career choice, inspired her to put a focus on neurodiversity in her work, and to raise awareness for cognitive accessibility when requirements ask for accessibility. She’s also growing a network of advocacy groups and (neuro-) diverse sponsor users. https://ibmixa11y.mailchimpsites.com/
Successful experiences always are centred around the humans who are living through them. Inclusive design has long been fighting for visible impairments to be included by an approach of universal design. No matter if those impairments are temporary or permanent, technology seeks to improve the lives of those who are struggling. Neurodivergent folks struggle as well, but their impairments are not easily noticeable. But still, those different experiences such as dyslexia and anxiety (problems with time and countdowns), dyscalculia and dyspraxia (numbers, counting and mobility) or ADHD and depression (executive function) need to be included in all of UX content design practice as well. This panel will discuss the differences and similarities of neurodivergencies and how they can be recognized in our design processes.