We’ve focused a lot recently on designing inclusive office interiors, and with good reason.
Designing for neurodiversity is not just essential for maximising productivity and wellbeing - it’s key to harnessing the unique and invaluable talents of your neurodiverse staff, allowing their different ways of thinking to add extra powers to your company’s playbook.
So far, we’ve shared our expert tips on supporting neurodiversity in the workplace, and our top 8 rules to create inclusive interiors - both of which we hope you’ve found helpful.
In both, we’ve highlighted that the most important element of a workspace that meets neurodiverse needs is flexibility - the right mix of quiet zones for focus and calm alongside open spaces designed to boost communication, collaboration and teamwork.
But sometimes, the easiest way to explain something is to show, not tell!
So here we thought we’d dig into some of our favourite inclusive offices - balanced Design Tonic spaces that blend our trademark out-of-this-world looks with real accessibility for all.
Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace
First, let’s just revisit what our neurodiverse colleagues need from their office environments to help them function at their peak.
Neurodiversity covers a spectrum of conditions - from autism and ADHD through to dyslexia, dyspraxia and more - and it’s estimated that around 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent.
As you’d expect from such a wide range, each of these conditions affects individuals differently, influencing how they function, learn and process information - which includes their sensory perceptions, social interactions and work preferences.
And it’s in recognising and designing for these differences that we can create stylish spaces that meet the needs of everyone.
The 3 Key Considerations for Neurodiverse-Friendly Office Design
Sensory Sensitivities
Some individuals may be sensitive to noise, lighting or other sensory inputs.
Social Interaction Preferences
Some individuals may prefer quiet, private spaces, while others thrive in collaborative environments - and many more may need the option to switch between the two.
Focus and Productivity
Providing a range of different environments within the workspace can help different people stay focused and productive.
Design Tonic X Goodall Brazier
How do Design Tonic create… Beautiful Quiet Zones
Quiet zones offer a refuge from the sometimes chaotic vibe of an open office environment, and are ideal for when employees need to minimise sensory input - whether that’s for deeper focus or to feel more comfortable.
There are lots of types of quiet zones, from private rooms, booths and intimate spots within breakout areas to dedicated wellness rooms - and which you choose to incorporate depends as much on the needs of your workforce as it does the space you have available.
But there are a number of elements that go into an inclusive quiet zone designed for neurodiversity, all of which our team look to incorporate into any Design Tonic space:
- Acoustic comfort - using sound absorbing materials, like acoustic panels and fittings, carpets and textiles.
- Lighting control - layered lighting that allows for the right mood to be set between relaxation and task focus.
- Furniture and layout - comfy, ergonomic furniture that’s thoughtfully spaced.
- Soothing aesthetics - gentle colour palettes conducive to calm and a minimal vibe that lessens visual clutter.
- Tech integration - power outlets, charging stations and excellent connectivity, with screens for calling, conferencing and kicking back.
Quiet Zone Case Study 1 - Focus Rooms at Goodall Brazier
At Goodall Brazier’s newly expanded HQ, we collaborated with the renowned Nanu Group to create some truly stunning focus rooms (above).
Part meeting room, part quiet zone, these multifunctional spaces are wonderfully luxurious, with lots of plush fabrics, tactile materials and soft-yet-effective lighting that can be adjusted to suit the room’s use.
And these spaces are also a brilliant illustration of how dark colours can work to comfort and calm too - the rich tones bringing an enveloping, cosseting quality that feels opulent and soothing in equal measure.
Because dark shades absorb light, rather than reflecting it, they work to reduce visual distractions, helping to reduce anxiety and promote calm concentration.
And, better still for a room dedicated to privacy, dark colours foster a sense of personal space even in shared environments - which can be comforting for neurodiverse individuals seeking solitude to recharge their batteries.
Design Tonic X MacKenzie Stuart
Quiet Zone Case Study 2 - MacKenzie Stuart
Our brief for Global Executive Search firm MacKenzie Stuart was to create a whole range of breakout spaces that would meet the needs of anyone at any time.
The result was not 1, but 3 zones designed to offer a breakout blend of sanctuary and socialising.
For their huge open breakout space (complete with fabulous company bar!), a palette was carefully chosen to reflect the company’s brand colours without any overwhelm, using rich, jewel tones that delight without any overstimulation.
Here, different sections allow for collaboration, solo time, entertainment and fun, with something to suit anyone no matter their mood.
And the company is also now the proud owner of 2 fabulous wellness spaces - a yoga studio and a golf simulation room - both perfect for switching off with gentle physical activities proven to boost mental agility and calm!
Quiet Zone Case Study 3 - Irving Knight
At Irving Knight too, it was key to incorporate a blend of quiet zone options.
Here we built both solo rooms for laser focus and larger meeting rooms designed for small group or more spread out work and both equipped with all the tech integrations you could need!
And again, within the wider breakout zone - itself with a lush, verdant feel thanks to the joyful emerald-toned colour scheme - a run of private booths is tucked away; a secret, private corner equipped with tech that’s made for either comfy quiet time or small team brainstorms.
How do Design Tonic create… Productive Open Spaces
Of all the types of office space that we design, open spaces are the ones which require the most careful thought and consideration.
Fostering collaboration and communication and home to workstations, informal meeting zones and more, they’re absolutely essential for many organisational functions - but their multifaceted purpose means that it’s crucial to balance their open nature with spaces that allow for concentration and privacy when needed.
When we’re creating any open space, we pay attention to a number of elements to ensure we’re designing for neurodiversity and other inclusive needs:
- Zoning and layout - flexible delineation that allows for different tasks and focus levels as well as versatility.
- Acoustic solutions - here too, it’s key to use sound-absorbing materials and design elements like hanging acoustic panels and soft furnishings for acoustic comfort.
- Flexible furniture - always provide a mix of seating options, from communal tables and lounge areas to individual desks. And modular furniture is great, because it can be easily reconfigured to support different tasks.
- Biophilic design - all Design Tonic spaces integrate natural elements like lush greenery, maximised natural light and natural materials, ensuring stylish, calm and inspiring environments.
- Tech and Connectivity - incorporating everything your workforce needs in a way that keeps things aesthetically pleasing is crucial to any Design Tonic design.
Open Space Case Study 1 - Goodmove
Briefed to design an impressive and inspiring workspace for *all* employees of the thriving charity and voluntary sector recruiter Goodmove, the result is an on-trend office that hits all the right notes when it comes to inclusivity (above)!
Featuring a calm colour palette that softens monochrome with blush pinks, warm timbers and plenty of planting, this is an open space of wide walkways, low storage, ergonomic seating and natural light - a fantastic showcase of how designing for neurodiversity is really designing for everyone!
Design Tonic X Caddick Construction
Open Space Case Study 2 - Caddick Construction Headquarters
Part of a larger project that saw us create an innovative, functional and inclusive headquarters for Caddick Construction, this particular zone is part breakout, part collaborative working space.
Just one of a range of multipurpose areas within the overall design, the neurodiversity hallmarks of this fabulous space include:
- Maximised natural light.
- Soft, calming colours.
- Lots of natural materials (including timber slat ceilings and rope divider accents).
- Tactile surfaces.
All of which, when combined with key lighting features, lush planting and bespoke joinery handcrafted by our talented team, make for a beautifully balanced space.
Design Tonic X Phoenox Textiles
Open Space Case Study 3 - Phoenox Textiles
This most open of open spaces was once a dilapidated Mill floor - but no more!
Now ideal for neurodiverse needs, Phoenix Textiles’ office space is a masterclass in smart zoning, all set off with a calming palette and greenery dotted throughout to soften the industrial fabric of the building.
Here, the Design Tonic team opted for the gentlest of divisions - to divide this expansive area and make it feel more homely without losing its sense of airiness and space.
Cubeform units are used to separate the larger working area, creating visual interest, adding extra storage and display options and keeping the plentiful natural light flooding through into every corner - all while being completely versatile should the company wish to switch the layout up in the future.
Wide walkways and generous spacing make everything as accessible as possible.
And meeting rooms and private offices are sectioned with full glass frontages, offering privacy while again maintaining light - a crucial biophilic touch that meets all the requirements of designing for neurodiversity.
