NeoCon Trends Release

The Sensory Shift: Emotionally Intelligent & Inclusive Design
Emotional well-being and inclusivity are fundamental prerequisites for good design, with neuroaesthetic principles guiding multi-sensory environments that reduce stress, promote healing, and enhance social connection. According to JLL’s Outlook on Design Trends 2025, 58% of employers surveyed cited cultivating culture and belonging as leading motivators for returning to the office, while 46% emphasized meaningful interpersonal connection.

“The concept of neurodiversity is pushing designers to think differently—not just about spaces for those diagnosed with conditions like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia—but for everyone,” comments Pallavi Dean of Dubai-based architecture and interior design studio Roar. “After all, everyone’s brain works uniquely, and a space designed thoughtfully for diverse needs naturally benefits all employees.”

Kay Sargent, Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK, adds, “Unlike physical barriers, sensory barriers are not always obvious and often go unaddressed. Yet they affect all of us, neurotypicals and neurodivergents alike.”

As the concept of design as a therapeutic tool becomes more widely understood, biophilic design strategies, informed by neuroaesthetics, are reimagining both healthcare and commercial interiors. “This intuitive, non-verbal design language has the power to soothe the brain’s amygdala, lower stress, reduce heart rate, and more,” explains Von Robinson, founder of Play Orbit Studio and designer of Kwalu’s (1199) nature-inspired Ellie Recliner. “In healthcare especially, there’s a move away from cold, harsh, and clinical settings toward spaces that address holistic well-being with natural forms, materials, and rhythms that nurture recovery.”

At this year’s NeoCon, several exhibitors are introducing emotionally attuned products that balance comfort, aesthetic sensitivity, and cognitive support. Viccarbe’s (10-152) pillow-shaped Noha Chair brings residential warmth into shared spaces, while Andreu World’s (300) Calma Lounge embraces the body with enveloping arms, emphasizing restorative comfort. DARRAN’s (3-120) Central Bark collection cleverly rethinks credenzas to include a soft, cleanable bed for Service Animals, complete with warm lighting and integrated storage, addressing the needs of an often overlooked workforce demographic.

In communal spaces, Kettal’s (377) Insula sofa encourages social interaction with smooth lines and generous cushions, while Silen’s (10-155) Zen add-on enables ambient lighting, private smart glass, and immersive soundscapes in any Silen pod to instill a mindful rest. Momentum Textiles & Wallcoverings’ (323) Renaturation Collection by 13&9 Design applies the science of fractal geometry to ground spaces in nature and well-being. Grass by Slalom (7-5062), a bio-based acoustic solution crafted from regenerated plastic, linen, and meadow grass, blends natural elegance with simplicity. Turf’s (1048) Wood Textures integrates digital, artistic patterns inspired by various wood cuts and veneer for a nature-inspired, neuro-inclusive line of acoustic finishes.

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