Designing for Learners with Executive Function Difficulties
Executive Function
Help every learner stay organized, focused, and on track — powered by Mexty AI.
This guide shows how to support learners who struggle with planning, time management, and organization through clear structure, step-by-step guidance, and visible progress cues.
Quick Wins (Start Here)
- Add clear milestones and visible progress indicators.
- Provide step-by-step instructions for each module or block.
- Enable reminders and auto-checkpoints to guide learners through sequences.
- Use consistent templates to reduce cognitive load.
- Offer summaries and checklists at the end of each lesson.
Prompt to start
“Add a progress tracker and step-by-step instructions for each module, plus automatic reminders and checklists for learners who struggle with organization.”
Core Strategies & How to Prompt
Keep learners oriented and motivated
1) Clear Structure & Roadmaps
- Outline what’s coming, what’s next, and how to finish.
- Use timeline or roadmap visuals to orient learners.
Prompt: Add a visual roadmap showing module sequence, estimated time, and completion goals.
2) Step-by-Step Guidance
- Break down tasks into short, manageable steps.
- Use “Start,” “Do,” “Reflect,” “Submit” format for clarity.
Prompt: Add numbered steps and visual icons to guide learners through each task.
3) Progress Tracking
- Show real-time progress bars or completion checkmarks.
- Celebrate small wins to keep motivation high.
Prompt: Insert a progress tracker that updates per block and shows percentage completed.
4) Automated Reminders & Nudges
- Add gentle reminders to return, complete, or review.
- Use AI-generated encouragement messages.
Prompt: Add reminder notifications for unfinished blocks and short motivational messages.
5) Consistent Templates & Predictable Layouts
- Reduce cognitive load with uniform page design.
- Keep navigation identical across modules.
Prompt: Apply consistent layout across all lessons using the same order: goal → content → check → reflection.
6) Organizational Tools & Checklists
- End each section with a summary and checklist.
- Include downloadable planners or note templates.
Prompt: Add a summary card and downloadable checklist at the end of each module.
7) Visual Cues for Planning
- Use icons, colors, and numbers to indicate order and importance.
- Highlight “Next Step” and “Important Task” visually.
Prompt: Add numbered icons for task order and color-coded labels for priority steps.
8) Reflection & Self-Monitoring
- Encourage learners to reflect on progress, not just results.
- Use self-rating or “How confident do you feel?” questions.
Prompt: Add reflection cards asking learners to self-assess their understanding and plan next actions.
Recommended Mexty Blocks
- Progress Tracker Block — visual timeline or completion bar
- Step-by-Step Instruction Block — numbered guidance cards
- Checklist / Planner Block — task list with checkmarks
- Reminder Block — automated nudge or notification
- Reflection Card Block — self-evaluation after module
- Summary Card Block — key points + next actions
Prompt: “Insert Progress Tracker and Checklist Blocks, add Step-by-Step Instructions to each module, and include Reflection Cards at the end.”
Accessibility & Compliance
- WCAG 2.1 AA & EN 301 549 — clear navigation and structure.
- FERPA / COPPA — learner privacy and data integrity.
- ISO 27001 / GDPR — secure progress data storage.
Prompt: “Audit this lesson for structural accessibility: clear hierarchy, labeled sections, and consistent navigation.”
Measure What Matters
- Module completion rate
- Average time between milestones
- Number of reminders triggered
- Checklist usage rate
- Learner reflection responses
Prompt: “Generate a dashboard report showing completion by milestone, reminder interactions, and checklist engagement.”
Brand Notes — Using Mexty Colors
- Blue #2D7BFF — clarity and navigation
- Purple #6A4CFF — progress and guidance
- Pink #FF4FB3 — highlights and feedback
- Orange #FF8A2D — motivational cues
- Off-white #F7F9FC — background and contrast
Prompt: “Use Mexty brand colors for structure: blue for navigation, orange for progress, purple for milestones.”
One-Click Template
“Adapt this course for learners with executive function difficulties: add visual roadmap, progress tracker, and milestones; include step-by-step instructions and automated reminders; use consistent templates; finish each module with a summary checklist and reflection card; ensure WCAG 2.1/EN 301 549 compliance; and apply Mexty brand colors.”
