“Neuroinclusive Design” — Designing for Diverse Perceptions
Created By RISC | 13 hours ago
Last modified date : 13 hours ago
Not everyone in this world is only different in gender, status, or education. Did you know that differences also exist in how people perceive, feel, and interact with the world?
This is where “Neuroinclusive Design” – design that embraces neurological diversity – becomes a groundbreaking concept for the future of architecture. Whether you enjoy silence or music, or feel uncomfortable with lighting that is too bright or too dim, design that considers the variety of perceptions, sensitivities, and brain responses can transform a mere building into a true safe space.
The goal of Neuroinclusive Design is to create environments that understand the diverse needs of individuals – from children sensitive to sound, to older adults experiencing memory challenges, or even everyday people who simply respond to their surroundings in unique ways. At its core, the principle lies in being flexible, safe, non-judgmental of differences, and adaptable to individual needs. This approach integrates a wide range of elements – lighting levels, light colors, materials, temperature, acoustics, greenery, textures, shapes, walls, and glass – carefully chosen with an understanding of how the nervous system perceives and processes the environment.
Though the concept may sound new or theoretical, in practice it can be applied to everyday buildings in simple yet impactful ways. For instance, using colors that soothe the senses, such as earth tones or pastels, can help residents feel calm and reduce stress. Flexible lighting systems – dimmable lamps or adjustable blinds for natural light – empower people to shape their surroundings to match their comfort.
Another simple yet powerful example is the creation of a “quiet corner” – a small retreat for reading or self-reflection, shielded from noise and distractions. Acoustic materials can reduce sound disturbances in multi-purpose spaces, especially when paired with greenery, benefiting children with ADHD as well as adults needing respite from the outside world. Gentle, natural textures like cotton fabrics or wood surfaces that don’t reflect light can further enhance feelings of comfort and stability.
For workplaces, Neuroinclusive Design can help foster productivity and wellbeing. Lower ceilings combined with task lighting directed at desks encourage focus, while warm color palettes can reduce stress and bright tones can stimulate creativity. Rough or irregular textures, paired with complex wall patterns, may even spark more conversations and collaboration among colleagues.
Ultimately, Neuroinclusive Design is not just about understanding users – it’s a long-term investment in boosting performance, reducing stress, and cultivating an inclusive organizational culture. Because a truly great space is one where everyone can be themselves, thrive, and do their best work – no matter how they perceive the world.
Story by Nattapat Tanjariyaporn, Senior Researcher in Brain Computer Interface, RISC