Perceived Usability of a Generative Artificial Intelligence Informational Website for Neurodivergent Users: With a Focus on AD(H)D Users
2025 (English)Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 180 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
As generative AI (GenAI) tools become increasingly central to web development, questions arise regarding their capacity to produce accessible and cognitively inclusive user experiences, particularly for neurodivergent populations. This study assesses the perceived usability of a GenAI-generated website among adults who have been formally diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD(H)D). Drawing on an integrated framework of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles, and Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), the research examines whether automated tools can effectively address the needs of users who experience elevated cognitive load and attention regulation challenges.
An informational wellness blog website was developed using Wix’s AI tools, and five participants diagnosed with AD(H) D were recruited to interact with it through task-based navigation. Following the interaction, participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a qualitative exit interview. The SUS results revealed high perceived usability (M = 86.0), but thematic analysis of interview data surfaced specific cognitive and navigational barriers, such as weak content hierarchy, vague labels, and underwhelming visual engagement.
These findings suggest that while GenAI systems can produce functionally usable interfaces, they often fail to address the nuanced cognitive accessibility requirements of neurodiverse users. Technical WCAG compliance alone was not sufficient to guarantee usability in practice. The study concludes that a combined evaluative approach, merging technical auditing with neurodiversity-aware user testing, is essential for meaningful digital inclusion. Limitations include the small sample size and the focus on a single GenAI platform. Future research should extend this work to broader user groups and explore participatory design methods involving neurodiverse stakeholders.
Keywords: GenAI, usability, accessibility, AD(H)D, neurodiversity, WCAG 2.2, HCI, cognitive load, Wix, System Usability Scale (SUS).
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. , p. 48
Keywords [en]
UX Design, Accessibility, ADHD, GenAI
National Category
Engineering and Technology
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-68499OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hj-68499DiVA, id: diva2:1969292
Subject / course
JTH, Informatics
Presentation
2025-05-28, Framgången 1 Leveranser:, Lasarettsgatan 2, 553 18, Jönköping, 08:15 (English)
Supervisors
Examiners
2025-06-162025-06-142025-10-13Bibliographically approved