Research program
Y2K Sensory
Maximalist Y2K aesthetics unified with neurodivergent accessibility.
Public experiment
accessibility · design systems · neurodivergent-first
HTML/CSS · Three.js
The question
Can maximalist visual design coexist with strict cognitive accessibility — or are they fundamentally at odds?
Overview
A dual-layer CSS architecture isolating decorative animation from functional UI, with cognitive presets for ADHD and Autism. An exploration in making ambitious visual design that doesn't punish the people using it.
Approach
- 1.Dual-layer CSS: decoration and function isolated into parallel cascade layers.
- 2.AttentionGuard: cognitive presets adjusting animation, density, and contrast.
- 3.User testing with neurodivergent collaborators to validate real-world usability.
Open problems
Stated plainly, because pretending they're solved would be the opposite of research.
- Formalizing accessibility evaluation for decorative animation beyond WCAG checkboxes.
- Balancing visual identity with cognitive load across diverse attention profiles.