GamingX was pleased to have had the opportunity to engage in a discussion about
neurodivergence and neurocapabilities with brilliant city makers experts and
their personal experiences in designing for neurocapabilities needs to provide
valuable insights into how we can create more inclusive and accessible spaces
for all individuals.
Nourhan started with some basic information about what
is Neurodivergent and what is Neurotypical, as we love after our discussion to
call “ Neurocapabilities” which refer to the range of cognitive skills and
abilities that individuals possess, including but not limited to attention,
memory, language, perception, and problem-solving. These capabilities can vary
widely across individuals and can be influenced by factors such as genetics,
environment, and experiences. Understanding neurocapabilities is important for
designing products, environments, and services that are accessible and
inclusive for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
By considering neurocapabilities in design, designers can create products and
spaces that are more effective and inclusive, promoting equity and social
justice for all individuals.
Professor Nick mentioned his work in PEARL at UCL on How do they design spaces
that are enjoyable and accessible for everyone, both within and beyond
traditional design considerations. A question was posed to them by Oxford
University, who asked them to consider how autistic individuals experience
their environment. According to Oxford’s research, supermarkets are one of the
most challenging environments for people with autism due to the harsh lighting,
loud sounds, and crowded spaces. By better understanding how autistic
individuals experience their environment, we can work with supermarket
operators to create more inclusive and accessible spaces that meet the needs of
all individuals, regardless of their neurocapabilities. How to design a city
that is inclusive to accommodate the social species we are. During our
discussion, Professor Nick mentioned the concept of “Humane” design,
which involves designing products, spaces, and services that prioritize the
well-being and dignity of individuals. The goal of Humane design is to create
environments that are conducive to human flourishing and that promote social
justice and equity. A concept I truly loved.
Kelsy Zleavor shared her own experiences with depression and discussed how she
found solace in a park near her home during the COVID-19 lockdown. She
explained that through spending time in this space and eating outside, she was
able to recognize herself and her needs. This highlighted the importance of
designing public spaces that address the livability of mental health
experiences, which requires a paradigm shift towards a biophilic approach.
Kelsy conducted 25 interviews with individuals who have depression to identify
design elements that worsened or improved their experiences. The resulting
mental landscape amendments are not top-down principles, but rather suggestions
she called amendments, and changes that can be adjusted to be more
participatory and inclusive. By prioritizing the needs and experiences of individuals
with cognitive disabilities or mental health conditions, we can create public
spaces that foster healing and enhance the well-being of all individuals.
Gooitske shared her perspective on seeing the world upside down and how
everything can be learned through doing. She also emphasized the importance of
involving children in the decision-making process of city design and how they
can be the “bosses” of our cities, especially on test grounds.
Gooitske conducts participatory research to understand how people use public
spaces with children, and her focus is on creating child-friendly cities that
are inclusive and accessible for individuals with disabilities. She works with
diverse groups in the city of Groningen to create a better city for all through
test grounds and involving everyone, including children with disabilities. By
sharing development tools and involving diverse groups in the decision-making
process, we can create cities that are more inclusive, equitable, and
accessible for all individuals.
During our discussion, we heard from our own Rozina about her experiences in
the education system and how it inspired her to co-design with children. She
observed a lack of creativity and segregation between neurodivergent and
neurotypical students in mainstream education. She emphasized the importance of
co-design in building settings that are inclusive and focus on abilities rather
than disabilities. Rozina also shared her perspectives on the friendship bench
and the need for more discussions on inclusive design aspects. She believes
that creating a truly inclusive society is a constant battle that requires us
to consider inclusivity in all aspects of city making, policy making,
education, sports, and culture. By prioritizing inclusivity and co-design in
all aspects of society, we can create a more equitable and accessible world for
all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
Our discussion on neurocapabilities was incredibly important, as it highlighted
the need to prioritize the diverse needs and experiences of all individuals in
design. By understanding how different individuals experience their
environment, we can create more inclusive and accessible products, spaces, and
services that promote equity and social justice. Our conversation touched on
various topics, including designing for neurodivergence, creating
child-friendly cities, and co-designing with individuals with disabilities. It
is essential that we continue to have discussions on neurocapabilities and how
to design for inclusivity, as it is a crucial step towards creating a more
equitable and accessible world. We need to prioritize research and education on
this topic to ensure that designers and policymakers are equipped with the
knowledge and tools necessary to create products and spaces that meet the
diverse needs of all individuals.
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