Neurodesign at the Office
What is Neurodesign?
Why do we feel calm in some rooms and stressed in others? Neurodesign is based on the understanding that the physical environment affects how our brain functions. By combining research on human behaviour with interiors, architecture and design, it is possible to create environments that support focus, creativity and wellbeing. For anyone planning an office, neurodesign is therefore not just about aesthetics, but about making conscious decisions about everything from furniture and lighting to acoustics and layout in order to create an inclusive and productive workplace.
Why is neurodesign needed?
Neurodesign plays an important role in neuroinclusion and in creating workplaces that work for people with different neurological conditions. Neurodiversity includes, among others, people with ADHD, autism and dyslexia, but also the many individual differences in how people process information and experience their surroundings. As neurodivergent people make up a significant part of the workforce, there is great value in designing office environments that are accessible and flexible.
Research shows that factors such as noise, light, large open spaces and social distractions can affect concentration, energy levels and wellbeing. Through thoughtful design, workplaces can reduce unnecessary strain and create better conditions for focus, collaboration and recovery. At the same time, a stronger focus on neuroinclusion can help more employees use their strengths to the full, which can benefit innovation, productivity and job satisfaction.
25%
A study from the World Economic Forum found that neurodivergent people can be 25 percent more productive than others.
What is the difference between ergonomics and neurodesign?
Ergonomics and neurodesign both aim to create better environments for people, but they focus on different aspects of the experience. Ergonomics is primarily concerned with the physical interaction between people and their surroundings, for example how furniture, workstations and tools are designed to reduce strain and prevent injury.
Neurodesign, by contrast, is based on how the brain responds to different environments and design choices. Drawing on neuroscience, neurodesign explores how factors such as light, colours, shapes, sound and spatial layout affect our wellbeing, concentration and emotions. While ergonomics helps the body function optimally, neurodesign aims to create environments that support the needs of the brain and promote both performance and mental wellbeing.
Create Inclusive and Productive Offices with Neurodesign
Brain health is an important factor in both performance and wellbeing in the workplace. By applying neurodesign, which is based on the brain’s needs in the physical environment, workplaces can be designed to support focus, creativity and health. The key is to offer a variety of environments and focus zones that meet the needs of different individuals, promoting both inclusion and choice.
Holistic Ergonomics
Our brains cannot multitask. Colleagues, scraping furniture, harsh light or visually cluttered environments all have a negative impact on both concentration and energy levels. To support every employee’s performance and wellbeing, solutions are needed that minimise these distractions and create a calm and balanced environment. Our view of holistic ergonomics is based on neurodesign and takes into account the overall experience of the office, physically as well as organisationally and socially.
Strategies for a Brain-Friendly Working Environment
Minimise visual distractions
Use floor screens, ceiling-hung screens, sofas and armchairs with high backs, curtains or storage solutions to reduce distracting visual impressions.
Manage noise
Sound-absorbing materials such as upholstered furniture, sound absorbers, sound-reducing table tops, rugs, curtains, plants, screens and soft-closing drawers all contribute to a calmer environment that supports concentration and recovery.
Daylight and lighting
Maximise access to daylight and use adjustable lighting to meet individual needs.
Natural elements
Choose earthy colours, tactile materials and organic shapes to create a calming atmosphere.
Zoning
Divide the office into zones for different needs and tasks. Active zones to encourage movement, energy and dynamism, semi-focus areas for a certain level of stimulation, and quiet zones for intensive concentration with minimal distractions.
Encourage movement
Design the office with a layout that makes it easy to change environment depending on the task. Furnish it with solutions that inspire activity and variation throughout the working day.
6 Tips for Inclusive Work and Office Environments
1.
Human-centred design
Put neurodivergent employees, customers and visitors at the centre. It is a good strategy for increasing productivity and for attracting and retaining staff.
2.
Holistic perspective
Design is not the only answer. For a business to embrace neurodiversity in the workplace, awareness, training, guidelines and a supportive culture are also needed.
3.
Ask the experts!
Use a neuroinclusive design strategist from the outset and make it part of the overall design strategy. Also involve your own neurodivergent staff, because every individual is unique. What works for one person may not work for another.
4.
Design as standard
For example, individually adjustable desk lamps are design as standard. Available to everyone, and simple as well as cost-effective to implement.
5.
The sensory environment matters
A neuroinclusive design specialist can help interpret how employees and customers experience the environment, and translate user requirements into the final design.
6.
Continue to evolve
Hybrid working may tempt companies to reduce office space. But remember that space matters, especially since activity-based offices are not suitable for everyone. Flexible, adaptable spaces should be prioritised over static solutions.
Read Office Solution
In the Office Solution magazine, you’ll gain insights into how smart design and innovative solutions contribute to sustainable workplaces. We hope you feel inspired and see the possibilities in creating work environments that empower both people and organisations.
