Mind friendly wayfinding – the significance of neuro-sensory context

This talk comes from an inclusive design consultancy perspective and addresses the subject of mind friendly environments. Until relatively recently if you sought guidance, from an inclusive design perceptive, on matters relating to people’s neurological needs and requirements, you were usually only pointed to the relevance and benefits of good wayfinding. Wayfinding is of course important to inclusive design, but what we were missing is the significance of other neurological, sensory, and contextual matters that add to our understanding of how people navigate and participate within the built environment. Steve Maslin (from AtkinsRealis) joined us to explore the insights one can acquire (for the benefit of everyone) from the experiences of people with neuro-diverse conditions, such as autism and people living with dementia. Also, the learning gained from applying Sensory Integration Theory to the built environment. These insights in the context of the 15 October 2022 published PAS 6463:2022, Design for the Mind – Neurodiversity and the built environment – Guide, a step-change as to how designers can now better understand design in the context of peoples’ neurological and sensory needs and requirements. Talk focus included tonal contrast, sensory processing, sensory noise, sensory overload, and the significance of context to memory. The relevance and paradoxes of choice and permission also featured in the talk. Steve shared anecdotes where designers arguably over or under did the provision of sensory stimulus, with not only implications for people’s movement through an environment, but also their ability to navigate through spaces and through time. These serving to reinforce why calm without clutter and placemaking are so important.

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