neurodivergent-visual-org

Mode System (v3.1.1)

This skill supports four modes to adapt to different cognitive styles and accessibility needs:

Mode Selection

Base Modes (choose one):

1. Neurodivergent Mode - ADHD-friendly, energy-aware, compassionate language
2. Neurotypical Mode - Direct, efficient, standard cognitive load

Accessibility Modes (optional, combinable with base modes): 3. Colorblind-Safe Mode - Pattern-based differentiation for all color vision types 4. Monochrome Mode - Pure black & white optimized for printing and e-ink displays

Mode Combinations Available:

• Neurodivergent + Colorblind-Safe
• Neurodivergent + Monochrome
• Neurotypical + Colorblind-Safe
• Neurotypical + Monochrome
• Colorblind-Safe only (no base mode features)
• Monochrome only (no base mode features)

Selection Methods:

1. Auto-Detect (Default)

• Analyzes user language for distress signals ("overwhelmed", "paralyzed", "stuck")
• Detects mentions of neurodivergent conditions or executive dysfunction
• Detects accessibility requests ("colorblind-safe", "print-friendly", "grayscale")
• Defaults to neurodivergent mode when ambiguous (inclusive design)

2. Explicit Mode Request

• User says: "Use neurotypical mode" or "Use ADHD mode"
• User says: "Use colorblind-safe mode" or "Make it print-friendly"
• User says: "Combine neurodivergent and colorblind-safe modes"
• Persists for current conversation unless changed

3. Configuration File

• User creates: .claude/neurodivergent-visual-org-preference.yml
• Sets default base mode, accessibility modes, time multipliers, chunk sizes
• Can set auto-enable rules (e.g., monochrome for PDFs)

Mode Characteristics

Base Mode Features:

Accessibility Mode Features:

Mode Combination Notes:

• Base mode controls language, time estimates, and cognitive scaffolding
• Accessibility mode controls visual encoding (patterns, contrast, shapes)
• Both can be active simultaneously for maximum accommodation

Backward Compatibility

v3.1.1 maintains v3.0 behavior:

• Defaults to neurodivergent base mode (v2.0 compatible)
• Accessibility modes are opt-in (not enabled by default)
• v3.0 visualizations remain valid (no breaking changes)

Mode Detection Algorithm

See references/mode-detection-algorithm.md for the full 6-step detection pseudocode covering explicit requests, config file lookup, auto-detection from language signals, and defaults.

Accessibility Mode Implementation

See references/accessibility-modes.md for complete specifications including:

• Colorblind-safe mode: border patterns, shape coding, text prefixes, color strategy
• Monochrome mode: fill patterns, border styles, verbose labels, spacing
• Mode combination logic and combined output examples

Configuration File Schema

Users can create .claude/neurodivergent-visual-org-preference.yml to set default modes and customize behavior. See references/configuration-schema.md for the complete schema, examples, and precedence rules.

Neurodivergent Visual Organization

Create visual organizational tools that make invisible work visible and reduce cognitive overwhelm. This skill generates Mermaid diagrams optimized for neurodivergent thinking patterns, leveraging research-backed design principles that work WITH ADHD brain wiring rather than against it.

Why Visual Tools Work for ADHD Brains

Visual aids externalize executive function by:

• Converting abstract concepts (time, energy, priorities) into concrete visual formats
• Reducing working memory load by moving information from internal to external scaffolding
• Combating "out of sight, out of mind" through persistent visual presence
• Leveraging visual-spatial strengths while compensating for working memory deficits
• Providing immediate feedback that ADHD brains need for sustained engagement
• Making time tangible to address time blindness (a core ADHD deficit)

Research shows altered early sensory processing in ADHD (P1 component deficits), making thoughtful visual design critical for reducing sensory load and improving focus.

When to Use This Skill

Use when the user:

• Feels overwhelmed by a task or project ("I don't know where to start")
• Needs to break down something complex into steps
• Is stuck making a decision or mentions analysis paralysis
• Asks "what should I focus on?" or "what's on my plate?"
• Mentions executive dysfunction, time blindness, or decision fatigue
• Wants to see how tasks connect or depend on each other
• Needs to track progress across multiple things
• Says something feels "too big" or "too much"
• Requests help with routines, habits, or time management
• Needs energy tracking or spoon theory visualization
• Wants to understand system states or process flows

Core Principles

Always apply these neurodivergent-friendly principles:

• Use compassionate, non-judgmental language (never "just do it" or "should be easy")
• Give realistic time estimates with buffer (use 1.5-2x what seems reasonable)
• Acknowledge energy costs, not just time (consider spoon theory)
• Break tasks into 3-10 minute micro-steps (smaller than you think)
• Include "you can modify this" permission statements (combat perfectionism)
• Celebrate starting, not just finishing (task initiation is a real achievement)
• Make "done" concrete and achievable (vague goals create paralysis)
• Show progress, not just what's left (focus on accomplishments)
• Limit information to 3-5 chunks per section (working memory constraint)
• Use calming color palettes (blues, greens, muted tones)
• Provide generous white space (reduce visual overwhelm)
• Create clear visual hierarchy (size, color, contrast)

Neurodivergent-Friendly Design Standards

Color Psychology for ADHD

Primary Palette (Use These)

• Blues and greens in soft, muted tones - promote tranquility and focus
• Muted browns - provide grounding without stimulation
• Soft pastels (light blues, lavenders, pale greens) - reduce visual stress
• Muted yellows (sparingly) - boost energy without overstimulation

Avoid

• Bright reds, oranges, intense yellows - increase hyperactivity/agitation
• Bright saturated colors - cause sensory overload
• Clashing color combinations - create visual stress

Implementation

• Use forest theme (green-based) or neutral theme (muted earth tones)
• Apply 60-30-10 rule: 60% calming background, 30% secondary, 10% accent
• Maintain 4.5:1 contrast ratio minimum (WCAG compliance)
• Never rely on color alone - pair with icons, patterns, or text labels

Information Density Management

Miller's Law + ADHD Considerations

• Working memory holds 5-7 chunks (neurotypical) or 3-5 chunks (ADHD)
• Stay at lower end (3-5 chunks) to prevent cognitive overload
• Increased cognitive load reduces ADHD performance more severely

Practical Limits

• Flowcharts: 15-20 nodes maximum before splitting into multiple diagrams
• Mindmaps: 3-4 levels deep maximum
• Pie charts: 6-8 slices for readability
• Lists: No more than 2 lists of 3-5 items per diagram
• Sections: Use timeline/journey sections to chunk events logically

Implementation

• Break complex diagrams into digestible sections
• Use progressive disclosure (show relevant info upfront, details on demand)
• Provide TL;DR sections at beginning of complex diagrams
• Include generous white space between elements

Visual Hierarchy Principles

Size Contrast (must be dramatic for ADHD attention)

• H1 significantly larger than H2, which is notably larger than body text
• Important nodes visibly larger than standard nodes
• Use classDef to style critical elements distinctly

Priority Signaling

• Distinguish important information through bold or color
• Use visual highlights for critical numbers or elements
• Separate each instruction clearly
• Implement color-coded systems for immediate visual feedback

Avoid

• Competing visual elements fighting for attention
• Auto-playing animations or flashy effects (extremely distracting)
• Blinking or flashing elements
• More than 2 fonts per diagram

Comprehensive Mermaid Diagram Selection Guide

Mermaid 11.12.1 offers 22 diagram types. Choose based on cognitive need:

Executive Function & Task Management

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