DESIGN FOR THE MIND

It is estimated that one in seven people in the UK are neurodivergent, meaning that the brain functions, learns and processes information differently . As such, creating truly inclusive spaces has never been more important. However, to create inclusive spaces, it is vital that the issues faced by people with neurodiverse conditions are understood.

For example, people with dementia can experience a range of changes, including sensory, mobility or cognitive difficulties. This can affect functioning, behaviour and independence which can in turn make it difficult for them to understand and navigate the built environment. They may struggle with wayfinding and experience spatial disorientation, memory failure that makes them forget where they are going, as well as problems with spatial and depth perception. These challenges are deepened when combined with age related conditions such as sight and hearing loss.

One of the biggest challenges for people with autism is sensory sensitivity and the potential for sensory overload or information overload. This can cause stress, anxiety, and even physical pain. People with autism can also experience both over and under sensitivity – each of which has specific challenges.

Whilst the above are just a few examples of the issues faced by people with neurodiverse conditions, it is clear to see why it is important to design spaces and specify products, such as floor coverings, with neurodiversity in mind. Although flooring is one of the biggest surface areas in any building, it can sometimes be overlooked. However, the choice of flooring is a key consideration.

Here are a few general guidelines that need to be considered, in order to make a building easier to use for people with neurodiverse conditions.

One of the most important factors that needs to be considered is how tonal contrast between interior elements is used. Greater tonal contrast should be used to aid visual recognition and allow furnishings and finishes to be seen against each other. It is recommended that a difference of 30 degrees of light reflectance value (LRV) is achieved between critical surfaces, such as floors to walls and doors to walls.

In adjacent areas, floor finishes should be tonally similar to prevent the perception of a change in level that is not really there and so reduce the risk of falls. Therefore, the LRVs of the adjoining floors should ideally be within eight degrees of each other (less is better) and no more than 10 degrees. Designers should aim to develop one tonally continuous flooring surface, as a sharp contrast may confuse and agitate people with dementia, for example.

When it comes to the actual design of floor coverings, colours, patterns and finishes need to be carefully considered. It is recommended that striped or patterned effects or flooring that incorporates a logo are avoided. These types of designs can attribute to increasing visual stimulus and could cause illusions or hallucinations, which again may lead to confusion and increased aggravation.

Similarly, for people with autism it is also very important to keep patterns simple and restrained. Autism can mean that people have problems differentiating background and foreground information. They may also see details that go unnoticed by others. As a result, complex or repetitive patterns can be distracting and even distressing.

Furthermore, excessively sparkly or shiny finishes need to be avoided, as highly reflective or glossy surfaces might be perceived as a wet floor and will therefore suggest a slip risk that is not there and in fact increase the chances of a real fall. Therefore, it is recommended that floors with a matt appearance are used throughout.

At Forbo, we understand the importance of good interior design and how it can positively impact end users. However, we also know that it can be quite a complex task to create inclusive environments. Therefore, in 2017, we partnered with the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) to increase our knowledge on how to create inclusive spaces and to develop a portfolio of flooring solutions suitable for dementia-friendly environments.

Fast forward a couple of years and we partnered with the British Standards Institution (BSI) to help develop a new inclusive-design Publicly Available Specification (PAS) guide “Design for the Mind – Neurodiversity and the built environment”. Launched in October 2022, this first-of-its-kind standard is an important and huge step forward for the industry, as designers now have access to guidance to create truly inclusive and positive spaces.

For more information about Forbo’s solutions for inclusive spaces, visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/neurodiversity