Designing for Learners with Slow Processing Speed
Slow Processing Speed
Give every learner the time they need — powered by Mexty AI.
This guide helps you design self-paced, accessible courses that allow extra time for reading, reflection, and response without reducing engagement or challenge.
Quick Wins (Start Here)
- Convert lessons into self-paced mode — no strict timers or countdowns.
- Use clear layouts and avoid clutter or excessive motion.
- Provide pause and resume options for all activities.
- Include simplified navigation (previous/next buttons clearly visible).
- Allow extra response time for quizzes and interactions.
Prompt to start
“Adapt this course for learners with slower processing speed: make it self-paced, add pause options, extend response times, and simplify layout for easy navigation.”
Core Strategies & How to Prompt
Design choices that respect pacing
1) Self-Paced Structure
- Remove time-based restrictions or auto-advances.
- Learners control pacing with Next and Back buttons.
Prompt: Make this lesson fully self-paced with visible navigation controls and no auto-timers.
2) Simplified Layout
- Use clean, consistent page structure with no distractions.
- One concept per screen with large text and minimal scrolling.
Prompt: Simplify this layout to one idea per block and remove unnecessary motion or clutter.
3) Extended Time for Quizzes and Tasks
- Extend timers or remove them entirely.
- Provide multiple chances to respond without penalties.
Prompt: Add extended response time (2–3x default) and allow multiple retries for each quiz.
4) Supportive Visuals & Chunking
- Break information into smaller, labeled segments.
- Use icons and short summaries to guide attention.
Prompt: Chunk long explanations into smaller blocks with headers and simple visual cues.
5) Audio & Text Options
- Offer narrated reading or text-to-speech for long passages.
- Include transcripts for self-paced review.
Prompt: Enable optional audio narration for each block and include full transcripts.
6) Clear Instructions & Cues
- Use explicit step-by-step instructions.
- Repeat important directions and key points visually.
Prompt: Add short, visual instruction cards before each task and repeat key points at the end.
7) Adjustable Learning Flow
- Allow learners to choose between ‘Quick Review’ and ‘Detailed Mode’.
- Let them revisit any block before moving on.
Prompt: Add Quick Review and Detailed View modes with progress saving enabled.
8) Encourage Confidence, Not Speed
- Replace speed-based scoring with accuracy or effort rewards.
- Use neutral or positive feedback phrasing.
Prompt: Reword feedback to encourage thoughtful responses, not fast completion.
Recommended Mexty Blocks
- Self-Paced Navigation Block — manual progress control
- Extended Timer Quiz Block — extra response time
- Instruction Card — step-by-step task preview
- Break Card — optional pause after each activity
- Text-to-Speech / Audio Block — voice narration
- Review Mode — revisit previous blocks anytime
Prompt: “Insert Self-Paced Navigation and Instruction Cards; extend all timers and enable Review Mode for learners to move at their own speed.”
Accessibility & Compliance
- WCAG 2.1 AA & EN 301 549 accessibility for pacing and navigation.
- FERPA / COPPA data protection compliance.
- GDPR / ISO 27001 secure session tracking.
- AI timing adaptation — dynamically adjusts task time when learner pace is slower.
Prompt: “Audit this course for pacing accessibility and ensure all timed tasks meet WCAG and EN 301 549 standards.”
Measure What Matters
- Average time per block
- Pause/resume frequency
- Quiz response duration
- Completion rates by mode (self-paced vs. timed)
- Confidence scores from reflection cards
Prompt: “Generate a pacing analytics report showing time per block, retries, and completion trends.”
Brand Notes — Using Mexty Colors
- Blue #2D7BFF — navigation and buttons
- Purple #6A4CFF — headings
- Pink #FF4FB3 — highlights
- Orange #FF8A2D — progress indicators
- Off-white #F7F9FC — background
Prompt: “Apply Mexty brand colors with calm contrast and large, readable navigation for self-paced learners.”
One-Click Template
“Adapt this course for learners with slower processing speed: convert it to self-paced mode; extend time for all quizzes and interactions; simplify layouts with one idea per block; add pause/resume options; include audio narration and transcripts; provide step-by-step instruction cards; use calm visuals and large buttons; ensure WCAG 2.1/EN 301 549 compliance; and apply Mexty brand palette.”
