Engineers should consider neurodivergent individuals when designing infrastructure says WSP Future Ready leader David Symons.
Engineers have become better at designing infrastructure for people with physical disabilities. But consideration of neurodivergent individuals is limited, according to WSP Future Ready leader David Symons.
Neurodiversity in its broadest sense includes people with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, depression, anxiety disorders and dementia. It is estimated that 15% of the British population is neurodiverse.
WSP Future Ready leader David Symons
Acknowledging the need to accommodate these issues, WSP published its Place and space with everyone in mind: designing for neurodiversity and mental health white paper last May. For its research, the consultant interviewed people who consider themselves neurodiverse to better understand their experiences.
“Effectively, neurodiverse people think differently,” Symons says, explaining the reason why the way they experience infrastructure differs from that of others.
Symons says there is limited neurodiversity design guidance for industry professionals compared to the material to design for people with physical disabilities.
One of the key things that came out of our research is just to give people choices
“In terms of specifically designing places that work for people with dyslexia or who suffer from dementia, the guidance on that is much thinner,” Symons says.
He believes that the publication of British Standard PAS 6463 Design for the Mind in October 2022, was a significant step towards more inclusive designs. It is the first building design standard for sensory and neurological needs.
But Symons finds that a lack of awareness of the standard has hindered progress.
WSP’s research revealed that it is not possible to definitely link particular design interventions to specific conditions or symptoms because everyone’s experience is unique. Symons says this poses a challenge to designers.
“There isn’t a one size fits all answer. Some people find things easy that other people find difficult and that’s one of the complexities of this space,” he stresses. “One of the key things that came out of our research is just to give people choices.”
Symons says that some neurodivergent individuals may experience sensory overload in public spaces, so design solutions could be identifiable quiet zones and sound-absorbing materials.
He adds that adding natural elements to designs can also improve the experience of these individuals. Some examples are plants and water as well as elements made of stone, wood and textiles.
Natural light supported by indirect dimmable lights and consistent finishes could also create a more welcoming environment for neurodivergent individuals.
Wayfinding is another parameter for which neurodivergent individuals should be considered. Using simple and consistent symbols for signs is one a solution to this issue.
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