SmartAssist is a no-code accessibility initiative built to make online learning more inclusive for neurodivergent learners particularly those with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. Traditional e-learning platforms like Coursera often overload students with dense content, uniform pacing, and low personalization. SmartAssist bridges this gap by layering adaptive focus tools, customizable pacing, and cognitive-friendly interfaces directly into Coursera’s experience.
It started with a simple observation: online learning, despite being flexible, often leaves behind the very people it claims to empower.
As someone deeply involved in product strategy and user experience, I noticed that neurodivergent learners especially those with ADHD and dyslexia struggled with cognitive overload on platforms like Coursera.
Scrolling through endless content, battling distractions, and trying to decode dense material made learning feel more like a test of endurance than curiosity.
That frustration became an opportunity what if accessibility wasn’t an add-on, but a product feature?
Empower every learner to thrive on Coursera — regardless of cognitive differences — through personalized, accessible, and supportive digital learning.
SmartAssist introduced Cognitive Accessibility Profiles lightweight settings that let learners choose how they wanted to consume content: