Designing for diversity, equality and inclusion has improved accessibility and experience for many groups, however industry experts report that the consideration of neurodiversity remains elusive. Richard Allen, commercial sales director at Karndean, discusses how neurodiverse inclusive design can celebrate difference and improve lived experiences.
One in seven people in the UK identify as neurodivergent and experience the world in ways that can vary greatly from neurotypical individuals. Neurodiverse conditions include autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
However, research has found that only one in three employees with neurodivergent conditions would feel comfortable disclosing this at work so there is a pressing need to consider neurological diversity as an integral part of the design process in any setting to prevent unintentional exclusion or discomfort for a significant portion of the population.
Brezza Ceppo (left) and Dune Oak (right) from our Art Select collection
As designers of the built environment, shaping people’s day to day experiences, we have a responsibility to ensure that all users feel comfortable through the creation of inclusive environments where those who think differently are recognised and where every individual will feel comfortable.
The British Standards Institution introduced guidelines for designing inclusive environments in 2022. PAS 6463 Design for the Mind: Neurodiversity and the Built Environment Through the Different Elements of Sensory Perception presents detailed guidance on how to accommodate for neurodiverse needs through the consideration of sensory needs, from lighting and acoustics to thermal comfort and wayfinding.
In practice this means designing to minimise sensory overload by reducing visual and sound stimulation, for example by keeping colour palettes gentle and natural, avoiding high contrasts and overly bright or strobe lighting.
Flooring is often the most extensive visible surface in any space and so its design will significantly impact overall accessibility and comfort for neurodivergent users. Karndean flooring is designed to authentically reproduce the natural beauty of the world’s most precious woods and stones and therefore brings the calming and restorative benefits of biophilic design, without the time consuming maintenance requirements of natural materials.
Cubix pattern (left) from our Kaleidocope collection and Qubec tiles (right) from our LooseLay collection
As an example, Argyll Nova North has created a considered and comfortable yet modern co-working environment within a bold contemporary building in the heart of London's Victoria. With a soft grey colour palette that reflects the cityscape, the large open plan space is subtly zoned using different floor patterns, helping to define distinct areas while maintaining an open feel. This introduces a comfortable human scale and ensures that the new design is instantly understandable so that on arrival customers can easily identify how to use the space.
With its minimalist style and light yet warm grey concrete hues, Quebec from the Karndean LooseLay range has been used to create a restful seating area and walkway, balanced by a working zone in the bolder multi-dimensional pattern of Cubix from the Kaleidoscope range. In complementary shades of grey the floor creates a quiet relaxing environment while the subtle emboss and matt finish to prevent glare. In addition, opting for Karndean Looselay in the heavier traffic walkway zone provides additional acoustic benefits, reducing noise levels by up to 13dB.
Neutral Oak from our LooseLay collection
Karndean’s latest RIBA approved CPD seminar, Designing Neuro-Inclusive Environments, has been designed to furnish professionals designing and specifying in domestic and commercial settings with key skills to create environments that accommodate differing cognitive and sensory needs. Recommended for anyone looking to holistically integrate neurodiverse design into their practice and their design schemes, this free one-hour information packed seminar explores the theoretical and practical aspects of designing inclusive environments.
With these skills, designers and specifiers will be able to confidently consult with neurodiverse user groups and stakeholder communities, learn about their lived experience and so fully involve them in the design process, resulting in a superior outcome.
As we celebrate the sixth Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17 to 23 March) let’s all make a commitment to improve our understanding of the lived experiences of individuals with neurodiversity conditions and learn how to create thoughtful interiors that allow everyone to thrive.
