top of page

DESIGNING FOR NEURO-
DIVERSITY

Student project

Project for the Design Matters Conference 

Assignment : Come up with a digital or physical concept that could make attending the conference more accessible for a chosen minority group. 

Blender ● Illustrator

Project made in collaboration with students :
Nanna Larsen & Sallie Kaplan 

TARGET GROUP 

Neurodiverse people is a wide group, our focus has been in tackling some common problem areas. 

​

Problem area : 
Low stress tolerance & sound sensitivities

Common in people with: 
Autism, ADHD, Stress, Anxiety, depression

RESEARCH

Including neurodiverse people in the research for this project was incredibly important, there is a saying in disability activism "Nothing about us with out us" that we wanted to honor, both in our research but also in including neurodiverse artists in the final pitch.

Asking in community groups for people with Autism and ADHD
we wanted to know what the biggest hurdles where for them in attending conferences. 

​

  • Everything can be big and overwhelming 

  • Too much noise, but noise canceling headphones can exclude you.

  • Not enough information, a need for clear direction and instructions. 

  • A need for designated breaks and spaces.

  • Need for clearly marked "guide" 

​

KEY FINDINGS

SOLUTION

To accommodate as many people as possible while adding to the accessibility for the people that normally would have a hard time attending

a conference we came up the a concept of adding sensory art rooms to accommodate diffrent sensory profiles. 

We all have a sensory profile, while neurotypical people are often in the mixed profile, neurodiverse people are often on either side of the spectrum.

THE SENSORY ART ROOMS

A designated room designed to be an immersive art experience, while also being used as a recharge space for attendees that are feeling overwhelmed.

Made in collaboration with Neurodiverse creators.

The rooms function as an extension of the conference, not just a place where you retreat.

An opportunity to learn more about sensory profiles and explore your own. 

The room is sectioned into to parts, a sensory seeking part and a sensory avoidant.

Before entering the room, you are met with :
 

  • Educational content about sensory profiles.
     

  • Clear rules and instructions for using the room.
     

  • A guide available for any questions, that also ensures that the room does not go over capacity.

When Inside the room :
 

  • The sensory seeking is filled with colored lights, high contrast artworks, textures, and furniture that encourages shifting seating.
     

  • The sensory avoident side is has dimmed light, soft carpet on the floor for more sound absorption and a projector showing calm art works.  

bottom of page