K-State students create an award-winning video that tackles sensory needs, advocating for inclusive spaces for all.
Every space has its purpose, reflecting our tastes and nurturing our well-being. But for many with neurodivergent conditions, these spaces can clash with their sensory needs.
A team of Kansas State University interior design students and their award-winning video paint a hopeful future where design caters to a diversity of all minds.
Benjamin Hall, Savannah Harrison, Jadyn Wolf, and Olivia Richardson took first place in the prestigious IDEC Video Competition. Their project illustrates how design impacts individuals with neurodivergent conditions, who often experience sensory stimuli more intensely.
Instead of proposing a single design, they provided universal principles for creating inclusive spaces. “We hope people understand sensory perception varies greatly,” said the team. “With awareness, we can build more accommodating environments for everyone.”
The team envisions a future where adaptable lighting, climate, and sound become commonplace, catering to diverse needs. Professor Kaup, their faculty advisor, emphasizes to her students the power of design and how it impacts well-being and encourages young designers to find evidence-based solutions.
With empathy and dedication, these students showcase the potential of design to create inclusive spaces, reminding us that every mind deserves a sensory symphony of its own.
*Read the original news release about the team’s win.
