Research Project Name
Designing a Neuroinclusive Retail Future
What We Did
Neurodivergent individuals — those with cognitive differences like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia — make up 15–20% of the population, yet few retail spaces are designed with their needs in mind. For many neurodivergent shoppers, simply navigating a store can result in sensory overload, such as stress and fatigue.
This research explores how retail spaces can enhance customer experience by addressing the needs of the neurodivergent population. Through market research, shop-along surveys with neurodivergent individuals, and interviews with experts, caregivers, and retail leaders, we identified the most impactful positive and negative elements and mapped them into actionable strategies for both designers and retailers.
By taking into account the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals, retailers and designers can create environments that are more intuitive, equitable, and commercially resilient. Neuroinclusive design, when approached thoughtfully, becomes an innovation driver that benefits all shoppers.
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Team
Barry Bourbon, Michelle Knoedler, Akshada Muley, Sara Tin-U, Justin Choy, Anna Han, Amy Koury, Christine Moy Harmon, William Prince, Robert Shurell, Rachel Zarpoush
Year Completed
2025
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