ADHD Budgeting

A simple website helping those with ADHD reduce cognitive load by creating a budgeting plan that helps manage their finances

Deliverables
• UX Design
• Mid fidelity wireframes
• Prototype

Tools
• Figma

OVERVIEW

Problem

People with ADHD have cognitive abilities that are different from the typical person, causing difficulties with working memory, focus, staying organized among others…

Potential outcome

A site that feels simple, motivating, and ADHD friendly by reducing friction when creating a budgeting plan

Competitors

  • Account syncing with banks

  • Adding networth

  • Viewing all accounts and expenses in one place - quickly viewing the user’s total net worth and expenses

  • Set and track weekly/monthly budgets

  • Goal setting and tracking

Monarch & Buddy’s Strengths

ADHD AND ITS SIGNS

ADHD, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a complex condition that can show up with a wide range of symptoms including:

Inattentiveness

Hyperactivity

Impulsivity

>> Or a combination of these traits

Other signs/struggles >>

Easily Distracted

Forgetfulness

Inconsistency

Restlessness

Poor time management

Executive Function Challenges

Motivation Deficits

Sleep Problems

Hyperfocus

Emotional Dysregulation

Coexisting Conditions

Icon attribution: flaticon.com, kawalanicon, bqlqn, freepik,iconjam, atomicicon, Witdhawaty, pixelperfect

On the impulsivity factor - Acting without thinking, Blurting hurtful or inappropriate remarks without considering the impact, Having difficulties waiting in line or waiting ones turn, Interrupting and intruding on others

“

Michelle C. Brooten-Brooks “The Reasons So Many Adults Go Untreated” Very Well, ADHD A New Understanding

STRATEGY

To help ADHD’ers increase attention, focus, and task completion on their finances we can use the following UX psychological aspects:

  • The process of how people orientate themselves and navigate in a space or along a pathway. We have specific items be more prominent that way the user can interact with.

  • Although this isnt a final design, but a design to show the possibilities of a product like this, I wanted to use 1 accent color on fonts and buttons to grab the user’s attention to what i wanted to user to interact with. ADHD’ers get easily distracted and overwhelmed so having the minimum would increase the chances of finishing a task

  • Keeping a person with ADHD informed and receiving appropriate feedback will increase the chances of keeping them focused by removing all unnecessary information that may cause confusion leading to cognitive overload

  • Memory recall is one of the struggles for people with ADHD. Minimizing memorization by having consistency with elements, actions and having options visible

How ADHD’ers can thrive

Determine Optimal Level of Stimulation

What works for one person with ADHD may not work for another. Understand people’s strengths and leverage that.

Brain Craves Novelty

ADHD brains process dopamine differently making novelty easier to focus on.

Keep things Visual

If something is out of sight, a person with ADHD may not remember it. Visuals cues can keep important things at the forefront.

Body Doubling

A person with ADHD increases its chances of completing tasks in the presence of others, either physically or virtually.

Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Large tasks can be overwhelming. Breaking them down makes them feel more manageable and achievable.

Use Alarms and Reminders

Set aside time intervals followed by brief breaks. This helps maintain focus and gives structured rest, also known as the Pomodoro technique

Externalize Memory

Write things down—use sticky notes, planners, whiteboards, or apps. ADHD brains often struggle with working memory.

Reward-Based Motivation

Set up small, immediate rewards for completing tasks to activate the dopamine system.

Persona

Sketches

(Click to view larger)

PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION

People with ADHD often struggle to live up to the neurotypical standards and keep neurotypical schedules. Society often punishes or ridicules people for diverging from them.

“

Marschall, Amy, PsyD “Tips for Thriving with Adult ADHD” Very Well, ADHD A New Understanding

SOLUTION

Mid-fidelity prototype

The Prototype has 2 flows

  • Add accounts and create my budget

Check the Prototype