Have you ever walked into a space and immediately felt at-ease?

Often, that space is home, a friend’s house, or even a Third Place, such as a library or a local bar. It’s less common to experience this reaction in a workplace – but sensory design is an approach that can change this.

Considering all five of our senses – sight, sound, scent, touch, and even taste – we can manipulate our workspaces in order to trigger certain emotional responses and experiences.

Common advice given to students is to study while, for example, chewing a piece of gum, or while wearing a particular perfume. This is due to the phenomenon of sensory memory, where certain sensory inputs – particularly smell and taste – can trigger vivid memories. By implementing sensory design in the workplace, we can invoke an emotional response by using smell, taste, or any of our other senses, and immediately put ourselves more at-ease.

Take a moment to consider what elements in a workplace would have a calming effect on you. What atmosphere would make you feel comfortable and, as a result, more productive?

Would your ideal workspace be a wide-open atrium, with plenty of natural light and biophilic design elements, or would it be a cosier affair, with hushed tones and a pleasant, floral aroma? Is it not a room at all, but an outdoor workspace, alive with a flurry of birds and a steady breeze?

Whatever your imagination brought to mind, you’ll likely have noticed just how our senses can evoke particular emotions, and you may even find you have a clearer mind just from imagining your ideal workspace. That’s the power of sensory design.

Of course, every individual’s reaction to sensory stimulation is different – and doubly so for neurodiverse employees, whose conditions can cause certain senses to be much more sensitive than their neurotypical counterparts. Too much sensory information at once can cause sensory overload – so it is important to find a balance.

Inclusive design: addressing neurodiversity

Sensory design isn’t all about the constant implementation of sensory inputs – there is just as much value in providing spaces with very few sensory triggers, to allow for respite and grounding. This decompression space is an element particularly useful for the aforementioned neurodivergent employees, to provide a space in which they can escape sensory overload and recover their focus.

Styling a space based on sensory experience ensures that neurodiverse individuals don’t feel overstimulated, uncomfortable, or on edge when they want to be resting. For instance, creating designated quiet zones or sensory-friendly workspaces that use muted lighting, soft textures, and sound-dampening materials can provide neurodiverse employees a much-needed sanctuary from overstimulation.

It is estimated fairly universally that around 20% of the population is neurodivergent, so there is a high likelihood that in any given workplace, there will be some element of neurodiversity – and likely much more than first thought or assumed. As such, when designing commercial interiors, it is imperative to ensure the space caters for everyone – whether ‘neurotypical’ or not.

The term ‘neurodiverse’, or ‘neurodivergent’, is most commonly used to refer to those with autism, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia – however, the term is often used more broadly to include clinical disorders such as personality disorders and social anxiety disorders. The broadness of the term does offer its own set of complications; however, a workplace can remove barriers for their neurodiverse employees by simply ensuring that there are channels for them to advocate for their needs.

As a rule of thumb, a workplace accommodates neurodiversity by offering an agile workspace with diverse spaces, allowing its employees to work where they are most comfortable.

So, with that in mind, how can a workplace implement sensory design?

The five senses

SIGHT

Designing how a workplace looks is the foremost and most obvious element of sensory design, with elements of shape, colour, and space being primary factors. There are countless studies and articles detailing how the appearance of the workplace can benefit wellbeing, so we won’t linger on it here.

As examples, high ceilings and upward-looking visuals can increase body awareness and provide a sense of opportunity, encouraging motivation and productivity, and as for colour, warm colours such as orange and peach can evoke comfort.

SCENT

Considered the most potent trigger for sensory memory, our sense of smell is a powerful tool for invoking memory, moods, and wellbeing. So, how should the workplace smell?

The powerhouse for wellbeing that is biophilic design lends itself once again, playing a large role in sensory design. The sight of greenery isn’t the only factor that has health-boosting effects - the smell of flowers also has the power to shape moods, alleviate stress, and even boost cognitive performance.

In a study exploring the effects of biophilic design, the results revealed that a multisensory biophilic workplace “significantly improved cognitive performance, reduced stress levels, and enhanced mood states compared to the non-biophilic one.” What’s more, the findings revealed that there was a statistically significant association between the sense of smell and the above benefits.

Whether introducing scents of cedarwood, lavender, or salty sea air, time and again studies have found that natural scents go a long way in improvement employee wellbeing and productivity. Essential oil diffusers or strategically-placed natural elements can introduce such scents, creating a calming and inviting atmosphere.

TOUCH

Our sense of touch is also a factor to consider – not only in the textures used in a space, but the temperature and air movement, too. The principles of ergonomics would also apply to our sense of touch, affecting how comfortable we feel.

The wrong texture in the wrong space can have a jarring effect, and even the most ergonomically designed, comfortable seating can become the most avoided piece in a room if the tactile experience is unpleasant.

In terms of the tactile experience, implementing biophilic elements such as wood and stone can provide a host of benefits, while luxurious fabrics such as bouclé can ramp up the comfort in any breakout or rest space, particularly when paired with rounded curves and sloping shapes.

SOUND

When it comes to sensory design, sound is likely one of the most noticeable aspects of any space. Handled poorly, acoustics can have a severely detrimental effect on focus, productivity, and mood.

It is crucial to balance sound carefully – too much sound risks sensory overload for even neurotypical employees.

Implementing acoustic design solutions such as sound-absorbing materials, partitions, or quiet zones can help maintain a sense of calm and focus. Soft background music can also be effective in creating a pleasant atmosphere, but it should be kept at a low volume to ensure it doesn’t interfere with concentration or conversations.

Beyond noise reduction, the strategic use of sound can evoke positive emotions and enhance wellbeing. Natural sounds, like the rustling of leaves or flowing water, have been shown to reduce stress and improve focus. Soundscapes that mimic nature are an excellent way to integrate biophilic design into another aspect of our five senses.

TASTE

The concept of considering our sense of taste in the workplace may leave a bad taste in the mouth, but this sense can play a significant role in the workplace, especially in communal areas like kitchens, canteens, or breakout spaces.

Providing healthy snacks, fruit bowls, and herb gardens can enhance the workplace experience, promoting both physical health and a sense of wellbeing. Fresh, natural tastes like fruit or herbs can have a grounding effect, especially in times of stress, and may even improve concentration and energy levels.

By considering all five senses, we can transform the workplace into an environment that enhances wellbeing, fosters productivity, and caters to both neurotypical and neurodiverse employees. In the modern workplace, sensory design is a necessity for emotionally comfortable and inclusive commercial environments.