Designing content for users with anxiety

Last updated: 15 Nov 2023

Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid – particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future.

Anxiety is a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat. It can be experienced through our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations.

Here are some useful tips to ensure your communications and content are accessible for a user with anxiety:

Do:

  • give users enough time to complete an action
  • explain what will happen after completing a service
  • make important information clear
  • give users the support they need to complete a service
  • let users check their answers before they submit them

Don’t:

  • rush users or set impractical time limits
  • leave users confused about next steps or timeframes
  • leave users uncertain about the consequences of their actions
  • make support or help hard to access
  • leave users questioning what answers they gave

Download our poster about designing content for users with anxiety.

Find out more about how you can support your colleagues with anxiety below.