A Special Day is built on a set of design principles that guide every mechanic, interaction, and sensory decision. These principles help us create a world that supports neurodivergent players while remaining gentle, playful, and universally enjoyable.

Calm and predictable interaction

Every part of A Special Day is designed to reduce pressure, uncertainty, and cognitive overload.

What this means in practice:

• no timers, no failure states, no performance pressure
• predictable sequences of actions
• slow, intentional pacing
• stable environments with minimal sudden changes

Predictability helps reduce anxiety and gives players space to explore the world at their own rhythm. Calm interaction is a requirement for many players on the spectrum and a benefit to many others.

2. Sensory-friendly design

We all have different sensory preferences, but for people with ASD, this is an area of particular importance. A Special Day provides a space where sensory experience is adjustable and safe.