A short-term research project by Negin Bokaei, Digital Designer at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
Meet Negin
“I’m a Digital Designer and postgraduate student based in the Netherlands. I started experiencing Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) symptoms in November 2024, and at first, I was in complete panic. I didn’t understand what was happening. Reading became difficult, I couldn’t drive at night, and even working on a laptop or looking at screens felt overwhelming.
When I discovered the Visual Snow Initiative website, it was the first time I felt supported and understood. It helped me realize I wasn’t alone, and it also made me aware of how little accessibility guidance exists for people like us, especially regarding digital experiences.
Since then, I’ve relied on voice-to-text and text-to-speech tools to cope, but reading and screen use still remain challenging. That’s why, for my current research project, I’m exploring how nature-inspired and sensory-inclusive design can help create calmer and more accessible digital environments for people living with VSS.”
What the Project Involves
- Speaking with 3–5 people who live with VSS to understand their daily experiences and coping methods.
- Visualizing how environments, technology, and support systems affect sensory comfort.
- Developing and testing calming, nature-inspired ideas together with participants.
- Creating visuals that show how supportive products and services could look and feel.
- Summarizing insights and design recommendations that VSI can use to enhance awareness and accessibility efforts.
Why This Project Matters
As both a designer and someone living with VSS, Negin has become deeply interested in how nature-inspired and sensory-inclusive design can make daily life calmer and more comfortable for the VSS community. Many people with VSS experience visual overload, glare, or discomfort when using screens, yet there is still limited guidance on how to make digital experiences more accessible.
By taking part, you’ll help shape:
- A summary of real experiences and comfort strategies shared by people with VSS
- A visual map showing the factors that influence sensory comfort
- A small prototype of a calming, nature-inspired concept
- Guidelines for designers and organizations on how to create more inclusive digital experiences
How to Participate
If you’d like to share your experience or help review early design ideas, please reach out to Negin via email:
Email: [email protected]
You can also share your experience through this online survey
All participation is voluntary, confidential, and flexible to your comfort. Conversations can be done via Zoom, email, or voice message — whatever feels easiest for you.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Visual Snow Initiative for supporting this collaboration and helping me connect with the community. My hope is that this research can not only inform better design but also raise awareness about the daily sensory challenges that people with VSS face and how thoughtful design can make life a little calmer for all of us.”
– Negin Bokaei
Thank you for helping bring more calm, comfort, and understanding into the world of Visual Snow.