Neurodiversity & UX Design
Laura Wissiak Laura Wissiak

Neurodiversity & UX Design

The growing interest in neurodiversity within UX design often misses the mark, reducing neuroinclusion to quick fixes in design.

This post critiques the over-simplified approach to designing for neurodivergent users, emphasizing that true inclusion goes beyond trends. We dive into the stereotypes surrounding ADHD, Autism, and other neurotypes, and how these stereotypes have shaped superficial UX design choices.

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Wiener Forschungsfest
Laura Wissiak Laura Wissiak

Wiener Forschungsfest

From March 21 to 23, 2025, the Vienna Research Festival will move into the City Hall!

In the heart of Vienna, the Vienna Business Agency, together with companies, universities, and universities of applied sciences, will showcase research from Vienna that you can experience firsthand.

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Laura Wissiak Laura Wissiak

Invisible Stigma and Its Influence on UX Research with Persons with Disabilities

Invisible disabilities often go unnoticed—but their impact on user behavior and research findings is significant.

In this post, I reflect on how stigma (both visible and invisible) can shape participants' experiences in UX research.

From masking and mental load to ethical interviewing and intersectionality, I explore what it really means to design inclusive research experiences.

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Laura Wissiak Laura Wissiak

Building for Everyone, a discussion with Google Developer Group Mons

How do you convince companies to take accessibility seriously?

In this post, I share insights from a panel discussion with Julia Undeutsch and Emma Dawson at Google Developer Group Mons.

We cover the business case for accessibility, practical starting points for product teams, and why “100% accessible” is a myth worth letting go of.

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Laura Wissiak Laura Wissiak

Sign Language in K-Pop

This post is a love letter to Sign Language in K-Pop.

From iconic examples like BTS and IU to groundbreaking artists like Big Ocean. I dive into how sign languages are used in choreography and storytelling, what it means for Deaf representation in music, and why this evolution matters.

Bonus: a playlist of every song mentioned!

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Laura Wissiak Laura Wissiak

But What about Internal Software and the European Accessibility Act?

Many teams assume the European Accessibility Act doesn’t apply to internal tools or SaaS products—but that’s a myth. In this post, I break down why accessible design matters even behind the login screen, especially when 4% of your users could have a disability. Bonus: practical insight into Austria’s disability employment law.

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Why I wanted to learn coding as a UX designer
Laura Wissiak Laura Wissiak

Why I wanted to learn coding as a UX designer

Ever struggled to explain your UX decisions to developers? Same.

This post is a personal journey through the mysterious world of ARIA labels, broken keyboard nav, and why learning to code helped me bridge the gap between design and development—making my work better and my handovers smoother.

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Why fulfilling the WCAG is not enough to be 100% Accessible
Laura Wissiak Laura Wissiak

Why fulfilling the WCAG is not enough to be 100% Accessible

You can tick every WCAG box and still miss the mark on accessibility. This post unpacks why true inclusion goes beyond technical compliance, and how to make decisions based on real user needs. Featuring examples, context-based thinking, and a healthy dose of accessibility realism.

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DIY Braille Keyboards: The Define Project
Laura Wissiak Laura Wissiak

DIY Braille Keyboards: The Define Project

Define stands for Digital Equipment For Inclusive Empowerment. The mission behind it is not only to bring low-cost assistive tech to the market but also to improve digital literacy in the process.

The Define Project takes a hands-on approach to empowering the blind and low-vision community with low-cost, DIY Braille keyboards. This post explores the MetaBraille keyboard, a 3D-printed device that simplifies assembly, and highlights how this initiative is making Braille accessible and practical in the digital age.

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Laura Wissiak Laura Wissiak

What is Deaf-Blindness?

“Deafblindness is an invisible disability because there is no way we can know how a person perceives the world unless we ask.” - Dr Leda Kamenopoulou, Associate Professor at UCL

Deaf-blindness is a spectrum that affects both hearing and vision. This post explores the causes and experiences of individuals who are deaf-blind, including Usher Syndrome, and emphasizes the unique ways they communicate and interact with the world. The article also highlights the importance of understanding deaf-blindness as a dynamic and personalized experience.

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How do people learn to use a white cane?
Laura Wissiak Laura Wissiak

How do people learn to use a white cane?

Learning to use a white cane involves a combination of techniques tailored to individual needs.

This post dives into the practical aspects of training, such as mastering indoor navigation, the use of click sonar, and shorelining for better mobility. It also explains the role of orientation mobility officers and how they help guide users through personalized training paths for local and global navigation.

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blind, visually impaired, or low sighted?
Laura Wissiak Laura Wissiak

blind, visually impaired, or low sighted?

The terminology surrounding visual impairment is nuanced and highly personal.

This post highlights the ongoing debate between terms like "blind," "visually impaired," and "low sighted." It underscores the importance of using respectful language tailored to each individual’s experience and identity. The piece also touches on the medical definitions of legal blindness, how various conditions affect vision, and the importance of asking individuals about their preferred terms.

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