I absolutely lost my rag earlier. All I wanted to do was post a quick message in a Google group chat, yet somehow I managed to post inside an existing thread. The layout looked exactly the same as starting a new one, so of course I assumed that’s what I was doing. Turns out, I wasn’t. And I still have no clue how to start a new thread. Why on earth can’t they just make it obvious?
Something simple like a button that says “New Thread” and another that says “Reply in Thread.” Not these mysterious little icons that only a mind-reader could understand.
When Design Makes ADHD Worse
This kind of nonsense is a perfect example of what sends an ADHD brain into meltdown. The confusion, the hidden steps, the symbols that expect you to just “get it.” For someone whose focus can disappear mid-sentence, unclear design isn’t just annoying, it’s disabling.
Every time we have to stop and think, “Wait, what does this do?” our attention shifts, our irritation spikes, and we start spiralling into frustration before we even get the thing done.
The ADHD Relationship With Tech Frustration
People without ADHD might roll their eyes and think, “Just slow down and look properly.” But that misses the point entirely. ADHD isn’t about impatience, it’s about how quickly a brain hits overload when faced with unclear or ambiguous information. It’s like being asked to solve a puzzle every time you click something, and when you’re just trying to send a simple message, that puzzle feels like an insult. It’s not the user’s fault for not understanding, it’s the platform’s fault for being designed like a maze.
Clarity Helps Everyone
Here’s the thing: clearer design helps everyone. Labels instead of icons. Obvious buttons. Consistent layouts. These aren’t accessibility extras, they’re common sense.
The tech world has become obsessed with minimalism to the point where sleek trumps functional. A tiny icon might look brilliant in a design portfolio, but in real life it just causes friction.
If companies really want to be user-friendly, they should start thinking like humans again.
If you ever find yourself shouting at your screen, you’re not losing your mind. You’re reacting like a human to something that was designed without humans in mind.
And if you build or design software, remember this: clarity beats cleverness every single time. Especially for those of us with brains that already have enough chaos to manage.
Every Icon and Option Should Make Sense
Why do unclear icons frustrate people with ADHD?
Unclear icons force the brain to pause and guess, which breaks focus and increases frustration. For people with ADHD, that mental interruption can trigger instant overwhelm.
Is this only an ADHD problem?
No, confusing design frustrates everyone. But for neurodivergent people, the mental cost is higher because every unclear choice drains more focus and energy.
How can tech designers make apps easier to use?
Designers should use clear labels instead of icons, consistent layouts, and obvious buttons. Simplicity and clarity help all users, especially those who think differently.
Why does poor design feel so personal for ADHD users?
Because it highlights the daily struggle to stay organised and in control. When something that should be simple becomes confusing, it feels like the world is working against your brain.
What can users do when apps are poorly designed?
Take a break, breathe, and look for tutorials or settings that simplify the layout. Remember that frustration is a normal reaction to bad design, not a sign of personal failure.