RESEARCH REPORT
Techno music features for ADHD-friendly digital accessibility
Sohum Manchanda
Hogeschool van Amsterdam
Master Digital Design
Instructors: Marije de Haas, Angella Mackey
20/2/2025
Final solution based on this research is now released!
Research highlights that music with amplitude modulation enhances sustained attention by engaging attentional networks in the brain. Similarly listening to techno music is linked to heightened arousal and focus in individuals. This study explores how elements of techno music such as repetitive beats, structured rhythms and amplitude modulation can function as an adaptive digital accessibility aid for ADHD users.
Through a literature review, self-experimentation, MoodDJ (product made for Master Digital Design - Emerging Interactions brief) user testing (N=13) insights and comparative analysis of existing tools like Brain.fm and Noisli, this research identifies how techno music can be integrated into digital interfaces to improve focus. Based on these insights, a design solution is proposed: A techno sound based bot, which can be embedded into websites to provide customizable focus-enhancing soundscapes.
Future research should focus on large-scale testing and personalization to optimize its impact and usability in real-world applications.
Introduction
Research Question:
What characteristics of techno music help alleviate challenges associated with ADHD and how can these elements be incorporated as an accessibility feature in digital designs?
Background Context
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by executive dysfunction, impulsivity and attention regulation difficulties. Many ADHD individuals struggle with sustaining focus in low-stimulation environments, often experiencing dopamine imbalances, which affect their ability to maintain concentration (Gerra et al., 1998; Martin-Moratinos et al., 2023).
Based on research done by Woods et al, One possible use of music is to aid cognitive performance, “which has become increasingly important with the shift to knowledge work.” (Woods et al., 2024)
Music is also used in tools like Noisli and Brain.fm to improve focus. Noisli provides white and environmental noise, while Brain.fm uses AI-generated soundscapes and music designed to enhance concentration.
Techno music, particularly minimal and ambient techno, is known for its amplitude modulation, steady rhythms and predictable patterns, which can act as external cognitive scaffolding that helps ADHD users sustain attention. (Gerra et al., 1998; Martin-Moratinos et al., 2023)
Knowledge Findings
The ADHD Brain: Martin-Moratinos et al. (2023) explored how music influences cognitive performance in individuals with ADHD, particularly through rhythmic patterns and auditory stimulation. Based on their report, ADHD is linked to delayed cortical maturation, prefrontal dysfunction and dopamine dysregulation, making sustained attention difficult (Martin-Moratinos et al., 2023).
From self experiment: I observed a notable reduction in cognitive overload and fewer distractions when listening to minimal techno music while performing reading tasks. The structured beat patterns acted as an auditory anchor, helping me maintain concentration longer.
From MoodDJ Testing (N=13): 10 out of 13 participants reported that music altered their mood and brain activity, leaving them calm, relaxed, or uplifted, while some techno listeners felt more focused.
Techno Music's Characteristics: Gerra et al. (1998) investigated the neuroendocrine responses to techno music, examining how it influences stress hormones, neurotransmitters and emotional states. It suggests that repetitive beats, steady tempo and minimal melodic complexity create a structured sound environment that enhances focus. (Gerra et al., 1998; Woods et al., 2024; Martin-Moratinos et al., 2023)
How?
Predictability → Repetitive rhythms reduce cognitive effort by simplifying auditory processing.
Focus Anchor → Minimal melodic complexity provides a steady auditory cue, minimizes mind-wandering.
Flow State → Immersive sound layers encourage deep concentration.
Noise Masking → Blocks external distractions, helping maintain attention.
Dopamine Regulation → All this also engages the brain’s reward system, helping sustain motivation and focus.
Amplitude Modulation in techno music plays a major role in increasing brain activity in people with ADHD, suggesting increased level of sustained concentration. (Woods et al., 2024)
Fig. 1 - Woods et al. (2024) found that amplitude-modulated music elicited greater brain activity than plain music or pink noise.
Research Process
2. Insights from MoodDJ Testing (N=13)
For Mood DJ testing, users answered questions about their music preferences and desired mood - uplifted or calm and relaxed. AI-generated instrumental music was then played based on their responses. Users’ reactions, experiences and mood changes after listening were recorded.
Fig. 2 - Testing phase during MoodDJ project
Many chose electronic music, particularly techno, making their feedback relevant to the research.
3. Literature Review
There were also peer-reviewed studies on the effect of music on ADHD, specifically examining the neurological and cognitive impacts of auditory stimuli, focusing on characteristics in techno music such as repetition of rhythms and low complexity to suit ADHD needs.
4. Researching about Current Products
Researched existing products like Brain.fm and Noisli and gained insights from them.
Testing (Self Experimentation)
I self-experimented to perform a task that needs focus, reading and reviewing research
Papers as follows:
1. Read a research paper “Neuroendocrine responses of healthy volunteers to ‘techno-music’:
relationships with personality traits and emotional state” Without background music.
2. Read a research paper “Rapid modulation in music supports attention in listeners with
attentional difficulties” With hypnotic techno.
These papers were chosen because they are very identical in Topic/theme, Length (10 pages), language and complexity.
The data collected during the testing included:
• Task completion time.
• Frequency of distractions (e.g., losing focus or re-reading sections).
• Emotional states were recorded at every 10 min intervals.
The techno music used for testing was a live set of a DJ named Bipolar (Bohdan Romanyshyn)
from Ukraine - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8C2aQJQA94
This specific set was chosen because of its repetitive beats, steady tempo and minimal melodic complexity along with interesting use of amplitude modulation through the set.
These findings come from my experience. As a follow-up I would be interested in testing them more widely with ADHD-impacted subjects to improve the idea and make sure it works for people with diverse needs.
From Self Experimentation:
Fig. 3 - Comparison between task completion time. Without music, the subject felt burnt out after an hour and couldn’t finish reading, leaving four pages unfinished. With techno music, they completed 11 pages in 75 minutes, demonstrating improved efficiency and focus.
Fig. 4 - Comparison of cognitive load with and without music
Fig. 5 - Mood and Emotions with music (Left) and without music (right)
Fig. 5 - Mood and Emotions with music (Left) and without music (right)
Fig. 6 -This chart illustrates the subject’s mood shifts over time while reading research reports, comparing moods with and without music. The green path (with music) shows improved focus and sustained attention, whereas the red path (without music) indicates more fluctuations, leading to boredom and tiredness.
Studying from Brain.fm and Noisli:
Noisli and Brain.fm help users focus using sound, but they do so differently. Noisli lets users mix ambient sounds and white noise with simple sliders, while Brain.fm offers AI-generated soundscapes for focus, relaxation and sleep.
Both prioritize simplicity, personalization, and scientific backing, making them effective tools for concentration. These insights also informed our MoodDJ design, emphasizing the role of sound, user control and accessibility in improving focus.
Neither platform allows users to adjust tempo, complexity, or amplitude modulation and they target a general audience rather than ADHD-specific needs.
Design Recommendation: Techno based Sound Bot
Overview
A small, codable techno based sound bot that can be embedded into any website. Unlike traditional apps that require installation, this bot is accessible instantly upon loading a webpage, ensuring seamless integration without the need for downloads.
Working
The bot appears as a small circular icon at the bottom of the webpage. When tapped, it opens a floating window allowing users to personalize their auditory experience with adjustable settings:
Fig. 7 - Here are different states of the proposed solution
• Volume Control – Users can adjust how loud or subtle the sounds are as ADHD individuals can be sensitive to sound levels, so a customizable volume slider ensures they can adjust based on their comfort.
• Tempo Adjustment – Users can modify the speed of the repetitive beats as faster tempos can increase alertness, while slower tempos can create a calmer, more focused state.
• Complexity Control – There are 4 multiple choice buttons from minimal (single sound loop) to four overlapping repetitive sound elements. Some users might focus better with minimal beats, while others might require layered, textured soundscapes to remain engaged.
These options are: Drum kicks, Snare, Amplitude Modulation and Atmosphere
Only 4 options keep it structured and controlled
• Amplitude Modulation – Dynamic shifts in sound intensity to maintain engagement. (Woods et al., 2024)
Why a Bot ?
There are benefits of it being a bot that can be easily encoded into any website by the developer of the website as a common practice to ensure their website is more accessible.
Fig. 8 - Benefits of a codable website bot
Reflections and Conclusion
This research shows that techno music with amplitude modulation helps people focus better by engaging attentional networks (Woods et al., 2024). Through self-experimentation, I found that structured beats reduced distractions and made it easier to complete tasks. MoodDJ testing also supported this, with 10/13 participants saying techno music improved their mood and focus.
Existing focus tools like Brain.fm or Noiseli, don’t fully support techno-based stimulation. Most are paid apps or websites that require setup and downloads, which can be inconvenient. They also offer fixed, pre-made tracks with no customization options, limiting their usefulness. Through testing, I found Brain.fm more effective due to its electronic tracks resembling techno, though it lacks customization options.
Currently, the project is focused on techno music as a concentration tool; however, additional research is required to determine whether other genres may offer similar benefits and how they can be integrated into the solution. Another consideration is the choice of medium, as the bot could be implemented as a mobile application, browser extension, desktop application, or website. Evaluating these options will help find the most effective and user-friendly platform for deployment. Additionally, due to time constraints for making this report, testing of this solution will be conducted as part of the “personal project”, to understand the bot’s effectiveness through user feedback and iterative improvements within the available time frame.
These insights highlight the potential of techno-based digital tools to help ADHD users stay focused.
Ethical Considerations
A key ethical concern is potential dependency, where users may rely too heavily on the techno sound bot for focus, making it difficult to concentrate without it. While structured auditory stimulation aids attention, the tool must prioritize user autonomy, privacy and accessibility. Regular user testing will refine its effectiveness.
References
1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
2. Gerra, G., et al. “Neuroendocrine Responses of Healthy Volunteers to `techno-Music’: Relationships with Personality Traits and Emotional State.” International Journal of Psychophysiology, vol. 28, no. 1, Jan. 1998, pp. 99–111. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8760(97)00071-8
3. Team, NeuroLaunch editorial. “The Power of Music for ADHD: How Melodies Can Improve Focus and Productivity.” NeuroLaunch.Com, 4 Aug. 2024, https://neurolaunch.com/music-for-adhd/.
4. Martin-Moratinos, M., Bella-Fernández, M., & Blasco-Fontecilla, H. (202 music on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and potential application in serious video games: Systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e37742. https://doi.org/10.2196/37742
5. Woods, Kevin J. P., et al. “Rapid Modulation in Music Supports Attention in Listeners with Attentional Difficulties.” Communications Biology, vol. 7, no. 1, Oct. 2024, pp. 1–13. www.nature.com, https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-07026-3
6. iMusician. (n.d.). Types of techno music. Retrieved from https://imusician.pro/en/resources/blog/types-of-techno-music
7. OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (December 15 version) [Large language model]. Retrieved from https://openai.com
8. Brain.fm. (2022). Neural effects of functional music on attention & cognition. Retrieved from https://www.brain.fm
9. Noisli. (2022). Enhancing productivity and relaxation through customizable sound environments. Retrieved from https://www.noisli.com
© 2035 by Sohum Manchanda