Abstract
This research focuses on understanding and addressing sensory overload, a condition that affects up to 20% of the world’s population and is common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other sensory deficit disorders. Temple Grandin, an autism advocate, describes autism as “Seeing the world through a kaleidoscope and trying to listen to a radio station that is jammed with static at the same time. Add to that a broken volume control, which causes the volume to jump erratically from a loud boom to inaudible.” This metaphor captures the daily experience of sensory overload, which can hinder one’s independence and quality of life. In design, form and structure aren’t just about aesthetics and functionality—they reflect the relationship between the user and the product. The research aims to experience, empathize, and engage with the world of sensory overload as a furniture designer, designing a product that helps individuals navigate it safely and healthily. Adopting the SPELL (Structure, Positive, Empathy, Low Arousal, Links) framework with a design thinking approach, the research develops an experience that helps neurotypical audiences empathize with the neurodivergent community. It includes insights into autism in Singapore, the current state of inclusive spaces, sensory preferences, and conceptual prototypes through working closely with the autism community. It is about helping individuals gain control in a society that mislabels sensory disorders as defects and seeks to raise global awareness and promote inclusive design as the standard in all disciplines of design.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Thinking, Learning, Doing: Plural Ways of Design
KEYWORDS
Neurodivergence, Sensory furniture, Sensory processing disorder, Sensory overload, Furniture design
