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Designing ADHD - Friendly Programming Environment: Enhancing Cognitive Engagement and Reducing Distraction in IDES
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Computer Science
Abstract
The prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among university students poses unique challenges in learning environments that demand sustained attention and cognitive engagement. Programming, inherently complex and cognitively demanding, exacerbates these challenges, particularly when mediated through conventional Integrated Development Environments (IDUs) such as Visual Studio Code, Eclipse, and IntelliJ IDEA. This study investigates the cognitive and attentional barriers experienced by students with ADIID within typical IDE interfaces. Through a mixed-methods approach comprising think aloud protocols, surveys, and controlled coding tasks, we identify critical impediments. including interface clutter, excessive notifications, and insufficient task structuring. Based on these insights, we propose a suite of ADIID-centered design interventions including minimalist interface layouts, structured task management tools, focus-enhancing modules, and customizable visual themes-to facilitate sustained attention, reduce cognitive load, and enhance programming efficacy. Preliminary results indicate a substantial improvement in task completion, reduced subjective distraction, and heightened engagement, suggesting that such targeted design modifications can significantly enhance the inclusivity and of accessibility programming environments.
References
[1] Halpin, L., Benachour, P., Hall, T., Houghton, A.-M., & Winter, E. (2025). Accessible Design in Integrated Development Environments: A Think-Aloud Study Exploring the Experiences of Students with ADHD. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.10598
[2] Halpin, L. (2024). Designing Integrated Development Environments to Support Students with ADHD. CEUR Workshop Proceedings. https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-3927/paper7.pdf
[3] Kovacs, R. (2023). Coding and ADHD should be best friends. DEV Community.
[4] Lancaster University. (2025). Designing better coding tools for students with ADHD. Portal.
[5] Shimmer Care. (2025). Designing ADHD-friendly systems you'll actually use. Shimmer Care Blog.
[6] Saner Al. (2024). 7 Steps to Create an ADHD-Friendly Environment. Saner Al Blog.
[7] Skill Point Therapy. (2024). Create an ADHD-Friendly Environment. Skill Point Therapy.
[8] Nucamp. (2024). What are the benefits of using Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). Nucamp Blog.
[9] UserWay. (2023). People with ADHD | Foster Inclusivity and Equal Access. UserWay Blog.
[10] ADDitude. (2023). The ADHD Pro's Secret Weapon? A Workspace That Actually Works. ADDitude Magazine.
How to cite this paper
@article{1711379,
author = {Umme Kulsum, Iqhra Fatima},
title = {Designing ADHD - Friendly Programming Environment: Enhancing Cognitive Engagement and Reducing Distraction in IDES},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {9},
number = {4},
pages = {928-931},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1711379.pdf},
abstract = {The prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among university students poses unique challenges in learning environments that demand sustained attention and cognitive engagement. Programming, inherently complex and cognitively demanding, exacerbates these challenges, particularly when mediated through conventional Integrated Development Environments (IDUs) such as Visual Studio Code, Eclipse, and IntelliJ IDEA. This study investigates the cognitive and attentional barriers experienced by students with ADIID within typical IDE interfaces. Through a mixed-methods approach comprising think aloud protocols, surveys, and controlled coding tasks, we identify critical impediments. including interface clutter, excessive notifications, and insufficient task structuring. Based on these insights, we propose a suite of ADIID-centered design interventions including minimalist interface layouts, structured task management tools, focus-enhancing modules, and customizable visual themes-to facilitate sustained attention, reduce cognitive load, and enhance programming efficacy. Preliminary results indicate a substantial improvement in task completion, reduced subjective distraction, and heightened engagement, suggesting that such targeted design modifications can significantly enhance the inclusivity and of accessibility programming environments.},
month = {October},
}