DAY 3 WORKSHOP • THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER • 10.30 – 11.30
Nothing about us without us: Translating neurodiversity into design: People, experience, evidence, action
Work environments are increasingly expected to support a wide range of physical, sensory, and cognitive capabilities. Yet many workplaces continue to be designed around unspoken assumptions of an “average” user, marginalizing neurodivergent experiences and limiting wellbeing, inclusion, and performance. True neuroinclusion requires more than guidance, standards, or checklists; it demands participatory processes that actively center neurodivergent voices and translate lived experience into evidence-informed design decisions.
This workshop is an engagement process for developing solutions for the built environment. Using a workplace design scenario, participants will explore how sensory processing, cognitive load, predictability, recovery, and autonomy shape everyday work experiences, and how environments can either hinder or enable neurodivergent individuals and identify operational and design solutions to create more welcoming, inclusive spaces.
Tim Hatton, Principal, Interiors Practice Leader, HOK
Tim Hatton
Tim is a highly skilled and innovative interior designer with more than 20 years of experience within the design profession.
He believes that early engagement with clients is essential to understanding company culture and uncovering valuable insights that help lead to tailored design solutions.
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His portfolio includes leading numerous high-profile projects for clients including Arup, BBC, Morgan Stanley, Mallinckrodt and HSBC. Tim’s deep understanding of interior design principles and space standards has shaped successful workplaces across many corporate, commercial and public sectors.
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As a recognized thought leader in workplace design, Tim’s work has been featured in Architectural Record, Contract magazine and Raconteur. His innovative work has earned a Red Dot award for product design.
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He is a frequent speaker on neurodiversity in business and champions inclusive design that supports diverse cognitive needs.