Redefining Comfort: The Case for Sensory-Inclusive Spaces

Imagine you’re in the middle of a bustling office or weaving through morning traffic. For some, this symphony of sounds, sights, and smells is just part of the day, maybe even energizing. For others, it’s an assault on the senses. Sensory diversity is about understanding these differences and designing spaces that don’t just look great on Pinterest but feel comfortable for everyone—yes, even those of us who wince every time a colleague’s heels clack on the office floor.

 

Living in a World Where Heels, Horns, and Perfume Hit Differently

 

Sensory processing is how our brains interpret everything we see, hear, and feel. And here’s the thing: we all have different reactions to the same sounds, smells, and sights. Take a car horn, for instance. For some, it’s just part of the city’s background noise, but for a neurodiverse person, that honk can feel like a fire alarm in the middle of an otherwise calm day.

 

Or let’s talk about heels on an office floor—a sound that gives some people confidence and power with every click-clack, but to others, it might feel like nails on a chalkboard. And we’re not even getting into smells yet! For some, the absence of perfume is as bothersome as an overdose of it, because that comes with its own sensory “experience.” Sensory diversity means understanding that there’s no right or wrong way to experience these things—it’s just different.

 

DJ-ing, Neurodiversity, and Mixing the Sensory Experience for Everyone As a former DJ, I know firsthand how music can create a powerful sensory experience. Mixing music at home is my way to unwind, but it’s different for my son. What’s relaxing for me can be overwhelming for him, so I’ve made adjustments:

 

• Give a Heads-Up: I let him know beforehand when I’m about to start spinning tracks, so he’s not taken off guard by a sudden bass drop.
• Contain the Sound: I keep the “man cave” door shut so the music doesn’t flood the whole house.
• Provide Ear Defenders: These let him control his own sensory experience—like a volume button, he can adjust himself.
• Check-In Breaks: In between sets, I step away from the decks to see how he’s handling the soundscape.

 

Creating a sensory-friendly environment isn’t about stopping what we enjoy; it’s about making tweaks to ensure everyone’s comfortable. And these small adjustments can make a world of difference, much like having a scented candle at just the right level (or none at all).

 

The Forgotten Sensory Trio

 

We all know the five major senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch—but there are three more that play huge roles in how we navigate the world:

 

• Vestibular System (Balance and Movement): This sense helps us know where we are in space, whether we’re moving, tilting, or standing still. It’s why some people love roller coasters while others are content watching them from the safety of solid ground. For someone who’s sensitive to motion, standing up too quickly or getting on an elevator can feel like being spun around.
• Proprioceptive System (Body Awareness): Ever notice how some people are natural “fidgeters”? That’s often linked to proprioception—the sense of where our bodies are in space. Weighted blankets, stretching, or even a subtle shift in posture can be grounding. For neurodiverse individuals, proprioceptive input can be calming, something a little more helpful than, say, the thump-thump of high heels on a wooden floor.
• Interoceptive System (Internal Awareness): This sense lets us feel what’s going on inside our bodies, like when we’re hungry, thirsty, or just a bit anxious. Think of it as our inner compass. Some people are in tune with these cues, while others might need a nudge (or a snack). It’s easy to miss these internal signals in a distracting environment, like an open-plan office or, better yet, the perfume aisle.

 

The Real Cost of “Urban Chic” Let’s get real: open-plan spaces are all the rage, and sure, they look great in design magazines. But for those who value a bit of peace and quiet, these spaces are a constant game of sensory dodgeball. Take the open-plan kitchen, where the clatter of dishes, the smell of dinner wafting into every corner, and the hum of appliances create a never-ending sensory feast. It’s fine for some, but for others, it’s a recipe for overload before the food even hits the table.

 

And let’s not forget the infamous open-plan office, where “collaboration” is just another word for “no walls, no quiet, and no personal space.” For neurodiverse individuals, introverts, or anyone who prefers a bit of calm, these spaces can feel like sensory boot camps. Imagine trying to focus with keyboards clacking, phones ringing, and background conversations constantly filling the air. Sure, the design is trendy, but the mental gymnastics it takes to stay focused are exhausting.

 

Sensory Sensitivities and the Travel Struggle Travel adds another layer to the sensory equation. From the honking chaos of a morning commute to the hum of an airport terminal, sensory experiences during travel can be as intense as they are unavoidable. Even something as simple as taking a new route to work can feel disruptive. Noise-cancelling headphones, quieter routes, or an extra few minutes built in can help make travel more manageable for those sensitive to sensory shifts.

 

Creating Spaces That Actually Work for Everyone If you’re looking to make spaces more inclusive (and yes, more than just “chic”), here are some changes that actually make a difference:

 

• Encourage Sensory Awareness: Let people share their preferences. If we’re upfront about sensory needs, it’s easier to create spaces that work for everyone, instead of pretending that one open plan fits all.
• Design for Flexibility: In offices, think about adding quiet rooms, noise-reducing panels, and options for people to work in more secluded areas. In kitchens, maybe don’t knock down every wall. A little division can go a long way.
• Offer Sensory Tools: Things like noise-cancelling headphones, dimmable lights, and flexible seating allow people to adjust their environment. These little tools can make a world of difference in navigating busy spaces.

 

Sensory Diversity is Not Just a Trend Design trends come and go, but sensory diversity is here to stay. Real inclusivity is about more than aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that don’t just look good but actually feel good for everyone. From my DJ days with my son to my daily experience with open-plan spaces, I’ve learned that respecting sensory needs is the difference between a place that drains us and one that empowers us.

 

By embracing sensory diversity, we create places that allow each person to engage in ways that feel natural to them. So next time you’re tempted by the “urban chic” trend, maybe keep a wall or two. Your ears (and your focus) might thank you.