Designing for neurodiversity – How we create welcoming public spaces

Designing for neurodiversity requires an understanding and application of Universal Design principles.

The building briefs we encounter are starting to change for the better. 

There are more stipulated requirements to meet accessibility needs, including the consideration of accessible emergency exits. 

There’s a growing awareness of the needs of blind or low-vision people, especially in hospitals.  

After all, Universal Design principles should guide us as designers and wayfinding strategists consider the full range of human diversity, including disability, language, culture, age and gender. 

Recently, I sat across from a client and was asked a very pointed and specific question regarding how we design for neurodiversity. It was the first time I’d been directly asked how we design our wayfinding solutions specifically for this group. But I hope (and can pretty much guarantee) it won’t be the last time the question comes up. 

Wayfinding that is cognisant of neurodiverse needs is vital to reduce anxiety and improve the experience for everyone who visits or interacts with public spaces.

Thankfully, this question was a relatively easy one for me to answer – we already design our solutions with neurodiversity needs in mind. 

Growing understanding of neurodiversity

Our collective understanding of neurodiversity is growing within the public sphere. 

According to various scientific studies, an estimated 15-20% of the world’s population is neurodivergent. Neurodiversity refers to a range of differences in individual brain function and behaviour that are regarded as a variation within the human population. For example, such neurological differences can include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia, to name a few. 

For neurodiversity advocates, there’s a key differentiator to highlight here. Instead of labelling these differences as something to be ‘fixed’ or ‘cured’, they were to be acknowledged as natural variations, rather than disorders to be categorised as weaknesses. 

As designers concerned with creating spaces and experiences that serve the needs of the entire population, we agree that society benefits as a whole from this recognition, as opposed to further stigmatisation. 

So, how exactly do we design public spaces to work with the strengths of our neurodiverse population? There’s numerous ways we create environments that are welcoming and accessible to those with neurodiverse needs. 

Designing for neurodiversity

As our understanding of what constitutes neurodiversity continues to develop, so too must the way we design workspaces, hospitals and community areas for neurodivergent people. 

Sensory-friendly design

People with sensory processing differences can be highly sensitive to certain sounds, lighting schemes and other types of sensory stimuli (such as strong smells). 

As designers, we’re aware that sometimes the smallest design considerations have the most significant (and often detrimental) impact on those who experience stimuli differently. 

Autism can affect a person’s depth of field, sensitivity to harsh glare, tendency to be distracted by clutter, and visual fragmentation. In an already stressful environment, such as a hospital, a piling on of additional negative experiences can cause a user to become further agitated, confused and overwhelmed. 

The beautiful patient rooms at Melbourne’s Cabrini Hospital inspire a sense of calm.

To counteract this, we always look to advocate for the inclusion of sensory-friendly elements where possible. This includes incorporating noise-reducing materials, an emphasis on natural lighting, use of organic, curvilinear forms that soften sharp edges and corners, and the use of simple colour schemes to reduce distractions. 

Family-centred design

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are now 205,200 people with autism in Australia, a rise of 25.1% since the last survey in 2015 (164,000 people). People with autism are more likely to be younger, with 83% of those affected aged under 25, and children aged between 10-14 with the highest occurrence rate of autism.

With tens of thousands of children and families affected by one neurodiversity type alone, it’s vital we design public spaces that are family-friendly. In the context of hospital design, this includes incorporating family-friendly spaces and amenities, such as comfortable waiting areas, playrooms, and private spaces for families to rest and recharge. 

Sensory rooms or quiet spaces are designated areas where autistic people can retreat to when feeling overstimulated.

To best support families with children who have neurodivergent conditions, it’s also imperative that those spaces are centrally located in hospital spaces and are easy-to-navigate. 

Clear wayfinding

People with autism and other neurodivergent conditions are likely to experience difficulty navigating unfamiliar environments. 

That’s where we come in. 

Clear signage with limited verbiage. Easy-to-read maps. Accessible wayfinding tools. Trained hospital staff familiar with communication assistance aids including assistive technologies.

When combined with beautiful and clean design, all these things can help to reduce anxiety and make it easier for patients and visitors to find their way through even the most complex spaces. 

Expanding our view on inclusivity

Part of creating inclusive and accessible spaces is acknowledging that every user starts from a different position. 

It’s our job as wayfinders to meet them where they are, not the other way around. 

By incorporating neurodiversity-friendly design elements into our solutions as standard, we are striving to create welcoming environments that accommodate the needs of all users, including those with neurological differences.