When designing a workplace to be inclusive for all, it’s important to provide a variety of options to enable users to find a space that fits their specific needs for the task at hand. All aspects of the space — colour, lighting, materiality, elements in the field of view and sensory stimuli — need to be designed with purpose and intent.
The spectrum of human brain functions and behaviour forms a wide continuum, with each of us occupying a unique point. While most people operate within a range considered neurotypical, a significant percentage extend into ranges considered neurodiverse.
Organisations are beginning to understand and prioritise design for neurodiversity. But designing for a broad spectrum is complex. A great many aspects of the office can be triggers for neurodiverse individuals. For example, the lighting conditions of a room can trigger anxiety responses in individuals, or the signage in the office (or lack thereof) can create difficulties to navigating a space that can be overwhelming. While the acoustics of the space can be distracting for those sensitive to audible triggers.
Kay Sargent, director of HOK's global WorkPlace practice, commented in a recent presentation hosted by Shaw Contract in London: “There is a compelling human and business case to be made for ensuring we approach the design of workplaces to help address mindfulness, health, safety, wellbeing and inclusivity.”
Kay says that employers are reviewing their spaces to be more inclusive and to help an increasingly neurodiverse workforce thrive — and in the process recognising they gain a competitive advantage in doing so.
