Short answer

Designers must move beyond generalized comfort standards and actively research and incorporate the specific sensory needs of user groups like those with ASC to create truly inclusive and supportive environments.

Field: User-Centred Design
Source: Building and Environment (2023)
Method: Scoping Review
Evidence: Moderate effect

Current indoor environmental standards and guidelines largely overlook the unique sensory perceptions and needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), potentially leading to discomfort and reduced well-being. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Building and Environment. Using Scoping review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers must move beyond generalized comfort standards and actively research and incorporate the specific sensory needs of user groups like those with ASC to create truly inclusive and supportive environments.

Study

User-Centred DesignRecentModerate effect

Indoor environments designed for neurotypical individuals may negatively impact individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition.

Building and Environment · 2023

Key Findings

01Current recommendations for indoor well-being of autistic individuals primarily target children and lack systematic comfort studies.
02There are significant differences in sensory processing between autistic and neurotypical populations, suggesting unique requirements for indoor environmental well-being.
03Existing IEQ guidelines do not adequately address the specific needs of individuals with ASC.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing any indoor space, consider conducting user research specifically with individuals who have ASC to understand their unique sensory experiences and preferences regarding lighting, acoustics, temperature, and scent.

Project actions

01When researching user needs, consider including individuals with ASC and their caregivers.
02Investigate how different sensory inputs (light, sound, temperature, smell) affect comfort and focus for your target user group.

Method & Evidence

AimTo review and synthesize existing literature on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) design and sensory perception for individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

MethodScoping Review

ProcedureThe review involved a two-step methodology: 1. Identifying, analyzing, and categorizing studies related to IEQ design for individuals with ASC, summarizing findings, and identifying knowledge gaps. 2. Investigating the scientific background on sensory responses of autistic individuals to stimuli within the four comfort domains (thermo-reception, sight, olfaction, hearing) to guide future research.

ContextIndoor environment design, built environment, psychology

Variables

IV["Type of indoor environmental stimulus (e.g., lighting intensity, sound frequency, temperature)","User group (e.g., individuals with ASC vs. neurotypical individuals)"]

DV["Perceived comfort level","Sensory overload/underload responses","Task performance","Autonomic responses (e.g., heart rate, skin conductance)"]

CV["Age of participants","Specific sensory sensitivities of individuals with ASC","Familiarity with the environment"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Comprehensive review of existing literature.
+Highlights critical knowledge gaps in current design practices.
+Provides a foundation for future targeted research.

Limitations

It can be challenging to recruit participants with ASC for user testing, and their sensory experiences can be highly individual, making it difficult to generalize findings.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the findings depends on the quality and consistency of the studies included in the review. Validity is enhanced by the systematic approach to literature search and categorization. However, the review itself does not generate new empirical data, so direct measures of reliability and validity are applied to the original studies.

Think critically

To what extent do current design standards implicitly favour neurotypical sensory processing, and what are the ethical implications of this oversight?

Design Principles

"Design for diverse sensory processing needs to ensure inclusivity and well-being."

Designing inclusive indoor spaces requires a deeper understanding of how sensory stimuli are processed differently by individuals with ASC. By considering these differences, designers can create environments that promote comfort, autonomy, and overall well-being for a broader user base.

What This Means for Your Design

Buildings are often designed for everyone, but people with autism experience the world differently, especially through their senses. This means standard building designs might be uncomfortable or even stressful for them. We need to design spaces that consider these unique sensory needs.

How to use in your project

1.Cite this research to justify the need for user-centred design that accounts for diverse sensory processing, especially when your design aims to be inclusive or addresses specific user groups.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This design project acknowledges that standard environmental design criteria may not adequately cater to all users, particularly individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Research indicates significant differences in sensory perception among individuals with ASC, suggesting that typical indoor environments may not optimize their comfort or well-being. Therefore, this design aims to incorporate principles that address potential sensory sensitivities, drawing inspiration from studies that highlight the need for tailored approaches to lighting, acoustics, and thermal comfort.

Source

Building and Environment

Indoor environment perception of people with autism spectrum condition: A scoping review

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about indoor environments designed for neurotypical individuals may negatively impact individuals with autism spectrum condition?: Designers must move beyond generalized comfort standards and actively research and incorporate the specific sensory needs of user groups like those with ASC to create truly inclusive and supportive environments. Evidence: Building and Environment (2023).
Why does "Indoor environments designed for neurotypical individuals may negatively impact individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition." matter for design?: Designing inclusive indoor spaces requires a deeper understanding of how sensory stimuli are processed differently by individuals with ASC. By considering these differences, designers can create environments that promote comfort, autonomy, and overall well-being for a broader user base.
How can designers apply this research?: Designers must move beyond generalized comfort standards and actively research and incorporate the specific sensory needs of user groups like those with ASC to create truly inclusive and supportive environments.
What were the main findings?: Current recommendations for indoor well-being of autistic individuals primarily target children and lack systematic comfort studies.. There are significant differences in sensory processing between autistic and neurotypical populations, suggesting unique requirements for indoor environmental well-being.. Existing IEQ guidelines do not adequately address the specific needs of individuals with ASC.
What research method was used?: Scoping Review.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Building and Environment.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing any indoor space, consider conducting user research specifically with individuals who have ASC to understand their unique sensory experiences and preferences regarding lighting, acoustics, temperature, and scent.
What are the limitations?: The review primarily focused on existing literature, which may have gaps in research concerning adult populations with ASC and specific IEQ domains.