Supporting Users with Depression, Anxiety, and Other Mental Health Challenges
The intersection of psychology and product design is a powerful combination. As a journalist who has transitioned from mental health social work to product design, I have come to appreciate the importance of understanding human behavior in creating user-friendly experiences.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 billion people worldwide live with mental illness (source). In recent years, rates of adults suffering from depression have risen by 8.7% from 2017 to 2023 (source), while nearly one-third of US adults experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime (source). Furthermore, the Federal Trade Commission has reported a significant increase in commercial companies using "deceptive patterns" or "dark patterns" to manipulate users into giving up their money and personal data (source).
These deceptive patterns exploit human psychology, particularly vulnerable users like those with mental illnesses. As I began to connect product design, accessibility, and mental illness, I realized the need to redefine accessibility to include mental health disorders. The process of designing products that are accessible to those with mental health conditions should always start with the people who live with mental illness.
Designing products for users with mental illnesses requires empathy, co-creation, and an emotionally safe environment. An emotionally safe environment is one where someone feels secure to express emotions, confident to take risks, and excited to try something new (source). When conducting research with participants who have mental health conditions, reducing cognitive load is crucial.
"Cognitive load imposed by a user interface is the amount of mental resources required to operate the system," according to Kathryn Whitenton. Reducing cognitive load leads to better experiences for most users and benefits those with mental illnesses. By applying basic usability principles such as chunking, framing content, optimizing response time, and embracing minimalism, we can create more accessible products.
Shaming and Confrontation in Designs
Shame is an extremely distressing emotional experience that can be debilitating to those with mental illnesses (source; source). Shaming, confronting, or aggressively persuading users has serious consequences for both the user and the product. Users may develop a poor impression of the brand or abandon the product altogether (source).
Designing more thoughtful error states is essential. Be specific about the error or issue presented, provide a path forward, and avoid technical jargon that could alienate users. Ensure that an error state only appears after the user has completed an action incorrectly and not while they are attempting to finish.
Framing Messages Positively
Frame messages positively by highlighting progress completed instead of work remaining, celebrating small wins, and using an encouraging tone. Avoid pressuring users to make decisions and include inclusive language (source). People with mental health conditions often experience feelings of powerlessness or anxiety when faced with unpredictable situations.
Designing products that give users a sense of control can significantly improve their experience. By creating products that are accessible to those with mental health challenges, we create better experiences for everyone and enhance our own well-being as designers.
The Future of Accessibility
By integrating principles such as co-creation, simplification, thoughtful communication, providing control, and mindful content presentation into our work, we can create digital spaces that support well-being rather than detract from it. As designers and product creators, we have the power to shape experiences that either add to the mental burden or help lighten it.
Accessibility isn't just about accommodating physical disabilities; it's also about making our products work for diverse minds as well. To learn more about accessibility, mental illness, deceptive patterns, and product design, I recommend checking out the following resources:
- Microsoft’s Mental Wellbeing Prompts for Product Creators
- Nielsen-Norman Group's Psychology and UX Study Guide, written by Tanner Kohler
- "What are Dark Patterns in UX?" by Jay Hannah