Designing better built environments for a neurodiverse world

Swapna Sathyan, Rachel DeSanto and Don Lawrence

October 30, 2023

Every person experiences and interacts with their surrounding environment in their own unique ways. Cognitive neuroscience identifies this reality as neurodiversity, the idea that there are numerous ways for people to think, learn and behave, and that there is no singular “right” way for these interactions.

Neurodiversity is usually most referenced when thinking about individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it also encompasses those with ADHD, learning disabilities and challenges related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These are unique groups who all need to be considered when we shape built spaces and places. Research indicates that around 15-20 percent of the global population is recognized as neurodivergent.

There are incredible spaces like the Children's Hospital of Orange County's Thompson Autism Center that are designed for specific neurodiverse populations. This article suggests we bring more of the design ideas that make these spaces effective into our entire built environment.

CHOC Thompson Autism Center — There are incredible spaces like the Children's Hospital of Orange County's Thompson Autism Center that are designed for specific neurodiverse populations. This article suggests we bring more of the design ideas that make these spaces effective into our entire built environment.

Design approaches inclusive of everyone

For most of human history, design has mostly considered “typical users” who are fully able-bodied without clinical, mental or emotional disabilities. These users can walk, open doors, read signage and navigate spaces with ease and without stress. The clear problem with that approach is that it offers a limited perspective on how space can positively or negatively influence someone based on their physical, mental and sensory abilities. It’s an approach that ignores not only 15-20% of the population who are neurodivergent but also many others with an increased sensory response to their environment.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) proved a huge step forward in design for inclusion and breaking down societal barriers when it was signed into law in 1990. Positive momentum has grown in recent decades, with needed pushes toward inclusive and universal design methodologies that consider design solutions for those with visible and invisible disabilities.

Yet there are still gaps in understanding neurodiversity and how different individuals experience their surroundings. This results in those who are neurodiverse experiencing social exclusion and the lack of supportive public frameworks. Designing environments without regard for neurodiversity is likely to contribute to poor mental, emotional and physical health for people with sensory processing differences.

When we consider neurodiverse populations in design, we can create inclusive and empathetic environments where an even greater majority of people feel empowered and in control instead of just the “typical users.” These are environments that provide healthy and meaningful options to manage or mitigate fatigue, stress and anxiety.

The more we understand neurodiversity and empathize with invisible differences that exist, the more we can purposely enhance design solutions to promote inclusion and belonging.

Designing with empathy for positive impact

Research indicates a prevalence of specialist thinking skills in our neurodiverse population compared to society at large. Skills exhibited by neurodivergent people such as unwavering focus, superior analytical ability and mathematical talent can accelerate project teams, discoveries and more. We do not just want neurodiverse people to feel welcome in our workplaces, research centers, hospitals, and schools — we need them.

Designing for neurodiversity – illustrative journeys

Recognizing that everyone’s journey is personal, CannonDesign is committed to elevating experiences for all as part of our Living-Centered Design approach. We continue to stay focused on inclusion, considering neurodiversity and trauma-informed design in our work and research. To build awareness and bring forward lived experiences, we are publishing illustrative persona journeys that explore design considerations aimed at enhancing experiences for neurodiverse individuals through the built environment. Stay tuned for our first journey and bookmark this page for future perspectives.

An autistic teenager attending school
An employee with ADHD at the workplace
A healthcare patient with PTSD
A college-aged student who has experienced trauma
More to come

Designing for neurodiverse people is an imperative and an opportunity to enhance design for society as a whole. It is an opportunity to empower more people to be healthier and enable emotional well-being. This design approach is critical to an equitable future, and we’re excited to launch this series. We look forward to sharing more soon.

The Purdue University NW , Bioscience Innovation Center incorporates a wide variety of seating types, from individual to group to areas where someone could pull up a quick seat. This allows people who study and socialize in different ways to feel comfortable.

Purdue Nw 13 — The Purdue University NW , Bioscience Innovation Center incorporates a wide variety of seating types, from individual to group to areas where someone could pull up a quick seat. This allows people who study and socialize in different ways to feel comfortable.

Ehrman Crest Elementary School's design takes different learning styles into consideration, allowing kids to feel comfortable while still in the classroom.

Ehrman Crest 4 — Ehrman Crest Elementary School's design takes different learning styles into consideration, allowing kids to feel comfortable while still in the classroom.