Nooli: Budgeting for Neurodiversity
Institution
Birmingham City University
Industry
Fintech
Tools
Figma, Maze, Adobe Creative Suite
Role
Date
January 2025
Time Frame
6 weeks
Introduction
Nooli is a budgeting app designed specifically for neurodivergent users, particularly those with AuDHD. Traditional budgeting tools often assume consistent attention, executive function, and routine which are all barriers that can make financial management overwhelming for this audience. This project aimed to reimagine budgeting through an accessibility-first lens, focusing on clarity, reduced cognitive load, and supportive interventions such as timely alerts and adaptive tools. Over a 6-week period, I independently led the project end-to-end, acting as UX researcher, UX/UI designer, and frontend developer.
Challenges
Designing for neurodiversity introduced unique challenges that required careful consideration:
Cognitive overload
Inconsistent engagement
Emotional friction
Flexibility
Additionally, as a solo project, I had to balance research, design, and development within a limited timeframe.
Process
I followed an efficient, iterative design process over six weeks:
Background Research & Define Needs
Brainstorming & Wireframing
Prototyping
Testing & Iterating
App Screens
The final UI emphasises:
Clear visual hierarchy with minimal clutter
User-initiated viewing of sensitive data
This acts as both a data privacy safeguard as well as a customisable option for users who need gentler engagement with financial information
Readable typography with strong contrast
Rather than overwhelming users with data, the dashboard highlights only the most relevant information and let's the user view detailed information when they're ready.
Prototype Walkthrough
Testing
Results
Nooli demonstrates how budgeting tools can be rethought for neurodivergent users by prioritising accessibility, flexibility, and emotional awareness. I would love an opportunity to create more systems that start with a kinder, more user-centred view.