Designing for Neurodiversity BY LPA, INC. Inclusive design recognizes the importance of creating environments that support a wide range of physical abilities and neurodiverse individuals. From classrooms to boardrooms, spaces that respond to a wider range of needs, sensitivities and behaviors benefit everyone. Everyone is different in terms of how they process information from their physical and social environment. Harnessing the strengths and talents of neurodiverse individuals starts with recognition of these differences to create environments that reflect the variations in the ways people respond to stimuli and interact with physical spaces and one another. Neurodiversity is commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia, as well as other diagnosed learning disorders and agerelated illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. But neurodiversity itself is more widely shared, as it encompasses all variations in human thinking, making up approximately 15–20% of the general population. Research highlights that neurodiversity is not defined by a deficiency in comprehension, but rather a difference in how people process information. From learning spaces that support students to workplaces that foster the best in employees, studies show that an evidence-based approach to designing physical environments that improve the experience for neurodivergent individuals contributes to more-inclusive and supportive spaces for all individuals. “We need to get away from the stigma of what constitutes the so-called norm or normal behaviors,” says LPA research analyst Rachel Nasland. “Designing for the norm excludes a large portion of the population, whereas designing for neurodiversity is more encompassing and benefits everyone.” “Neurodiverse individuals play a valuable role in society, including in our schools and organizations. Traits such as hyperfocus, complex nonlinear thinking, pattern recognition, attention to detail, sensory sensitivity and high energy can spur creativity, innovation and out-ofthe-box thinking,” says LPA Director of Laboratory Planning, Isabel Mandujano. Many well-known scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs have been identified as neurodivergent, including Stephen Hawking, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Alan Turin and Henry Ford. “Neurodiverse individuals can be supported, inspired and nurtured by providing an inclusive culture that recognizes different needs and environments that offer a variety of choices, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach,” Mandujano says. Recent research highlights four key areas where design can play a key role in supporting neurodiversity. Perhaps the most difficult design elements to balance are stimulation and naturalness. Many neurodiverse individuals possess heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli, including light, color, patterns, textures, sounds and movement. Too many stimuli, such as busy patterns and poor acoustics, can fatigue the senses, while too few can seem boring. When neurodiverse individuals can access their appropriate level of stimulation, they are able to hyperfocus on tasks and sustain that focus for longer durations. “To avoid overstimulation, design solutions should focus on naturalness within the built environment, as elements Environments should recognize the variations in the ways people respond to stimuli and interact with physical spaces and one another. 21
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQxMjUw