A Sensory Approach to Design: Inclusive Principles

The purpose of this study was to address the importance of sensory input within the built environment and develop design guidelines to accommodate the needs of all users. Typically, people receive information about the surrounding environment through their senses collectively. However, sensory processing problems may occur when sensory signals do not integrate to provide appropriate responses. As a result, the environment may cause a person to feel confused or irritated.

A mixed methods approach was utilized to gather data including 1) focus group, 2) interviews, 3) observations, and 4) surveys. Over 600 subjects participated including education specialists (n = 546), adults with developmental disabilities (n = 58), and administrators and staff (n = 30). The target population was individuals who experienced difficulties with sensory processing, integration and modulation, caregivers, educators, and administrators who worked with the target population.

The findings show that individuals with sensory processing disorder view their environment differently than the general population. The data gathered was analyzed and coded to reflect six sensory categories: sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell, and motion (includes proprioception and vestibular senses). Each of these themes were further evaluated to develop "Design Principles for Inclusive Environments." Auditory and Tactile sound triggers were found to be the most problematic sensory responses and are the main focus of this manuscript. Unexpected sounds, background noise, and noise from mechanical systems were among the most problematic, while incorporating music and nature sounds were found to alleviate sound triggers. Tactile sensitivity in the environment was increased or reduced based on textures and materials, available personal space, and temperature.

The research also showed that all users of a space benefited from the integration of inclusive design principles. This information is communicated in an easy-to-understand format that might benefit design professionals, educators, administrators, parents and the general public.