What Is Brain Fog, Really?
It’s more than forgetfulness. Brain fog includes slowed processing, short-term memory loss, confusion, word-finding issues, and difficulty focusing. It’s common after stroke, in Long Covid, and in conditions like ME/CFS or fibromyalgia. But most health apps still assume users are cognitively “typical.”
That’s a problem.
The Hidden Barrier in Digital Health
Imagine trying to navigate a health app when you struggle to read dense text, forget what the last screen said, or feel overwhelmed by too many buttons. That’s the reality for millions but most platforms aren’t designed with them in mind.
What Digital Empathy Looks Like
At Pogo, we design for cognitive accessibility from the start. That means:
- Using plain language and short sentences
- Limiting steps per screen
- Offering audio/read-aloud options
- Providing reminders and recaps
- Giving users control over pace and format
This isn’t just better design - it’s inclusive design.
Empathy = Better Engagement
When people feel that an app “gets” them, they’re more likely to return, engage, and benefit. Digital empathy isn’t soft or sentimental - it’s a strategic advantage.
We believe tech should meet people where they are, rather than get them to think like developers.