Assist the growing neurodivergent population with strategic adjustments to physical spaces
Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment explores how to employ strategic spatial zoning and sequencing, sensory zones, patterns, textures, colors, lighting, and soundscaping to create spaces that cater to the various sensory needs of neurodivergent individuals, who now make up 1/5 of the world's population. This group possesses unique strengths that can be harnessed if they are in environments designed to be welcoming and supportive of their needs.
Written by Kay Sargent of HOK, a leader in the field of workplace design and architecture, this groundbreaking book argues that even minor adjustments to physical spaces can drive giant improvements in cognitive function, fulfillment, and belonging for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.
Some of the topics explored in this book include:
- Reimagining the design of offices and workplaces through a neuroinclusive lens
- Optimizing spaces to accommodate hypersensitivities across all six work modalities, ranging from focused tasks to collaborative endeavors
- Inclusion practices to boost productivity in the workplace and transform high-stress environments into more welcoming and functional spaces for everyone
Filled with practical, actionable strategies for designing spaces that embrace and empower individuals across the neurodiversity spectrum, Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces is a timely, essential read for all forward-thinking HR, DEI, and accessibility teams, as well as architects and interior designers.
Table of Contents
Foreword xi
Preface xv
Chapter 1 Framing the Issue 1
Origin Story 1
The Pitfalls of Well-Intentioned Design 7
Understanding Neurodiversity 8
The Opportunities 9
A Growing Awareness 11
HOK’s Research on Designing for Inclusion 13
The Value of Neuroinclusive Design 13
Chapter 2 Defining Neurotypes 17
Types of Neurodivergence 18
Neurodiversity and Mental Health 28
Chapter 3 Great for Business 35
The Business Case for Neurodiversity 35
Cognitive Diversity: Breaking Down Groupthink 37
Impact on Business Performance 38
Challenges and Accommodations 40
Designing Inclusive Workplaces 40
Chapter 4 Human Functioning and Sensory Processing 45
Three Interconnected Systems 46
Sensory Processing: Foundation and Mechanisms 49
Sensory Thresholds and Processing Challenges 52
Coping Mechanisms and Perception Variances 56
Designing for Diverse Functioning 59
Chapter 5 Sensory Intelligence 63
The Sensory Matrix™ 63
Chapter 6 Survey Findings 79
Survey One: All Neurodivergent Populations 79
Surveys Two and Three: Mixed Neurotype Population 81
Survey Four: Mixed Neurotype Scientific Population 89
Challenges in the Built Environment 93
Survey Five: ZHAW ADD/ADHD Sensory Challenges Survey 103
Design Strategies and Recommendations 107
Chapter 7 Senses and Degree of Stimulation 109
Accommodating Sensory Needs 110
Visual 111
Auditory 115
Tactile 118
Olfactory 119
Gustatory 120
Proprioception, Interoception, and Vestibular 121
Chapter 8 Environmental Influences 127
Neuroaesthetics and the Built Environment 128
Environmental Factors Affecting Workplace Comfort 128
Principles of Design 130
Elements of Design 131
Chapter 9 Other Elements to Consider 155
Biophilia 155
Wayfinding 159
Multisensory Rooms 161
Safety and Well-Being 165
Focus Flow 168
Chapter 10 Degrees of Inclusive Design 175
Accessible Design 175
Universal Design 176
Contents ix
Inclusive Design 177
Equitable Design 181
Chapter 11 HOK’s Approach to Inclusive Design 189
Organizational DNA 190
Defining Personas, Work Settings, and Gathering Profiles 193
Six Work Modes 198
Spatial Sequencing 199
Power of the 6 to the 48 201
Journey Mapping 202
Chapter 12 Steps Toward Designing for Inclusion 205
Redefining Disability 206
Creating Inclusive Workplaces 207
Chapter 13 Design Considerations 217
The Premise of Inclusive Design 217
Six Modalities of Work 223
HOK’s Design Considerations 233
Chapter 14 The Three-Legged Stool 243
Leg One: Addressing Operational Strategies 244
Leg Two: Designing an Inclusive Built Environment 247
Leg Three: Enabling Individual Adjustments 248
Chapter 15 Going Forward 255
Growing Awareness and Increasing Diagnosis 256
Technological Developments 260
Changing Landscape 261
More Comprehensive Approach 263
Afterword 265
Notes 267
Acknowledgments 305
About the Author 309
What We Do 313
Index 315
