Charley Barnes, The Thought Sorter, 2025 (installation view). screen printed book cloth and coptic bound notebook, digital print on paper, elastic string. Dimensions variable.

Photographer: Brenton McGeachie

Charley Barnes

Bachelor of Visual Arts
and Bachelor of Design

The Thought Sorter is an organisational and well-being tool, created to help young neurodivergent people mitigate the everyday obstacles that arise from symptoms like overthinking and low motivation. 
 
Treatment for many neurodivergences, like ADHD, often fails to help individuals navigate how various symptoms impact their everyday experiences, health and productivity. Additionally, conventional wellbeing and organisational tools can be ineffective or inaccessible, failing to consider the unique perspectives of neurodivergent individuals.

Driven by a user-centric approach, this project involved extensive research, ideation and iteration, exploring ways to facilitate daily routines that support individuals struggling with ADHD.

Combining graphic and information design with book-binding methods, the final design prioritises versatility, featuring flexible, alternating page layouts. These layouts incorporate design features that structure routine while highlighting the importance of individual needs that often go overlooked. 

The Thought Sorter considers the unique mindsets of neurodivergent users, empowering them to reframe their approaches to productivity and create routines that support their health and well-being.


 

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