By @GraceWeaverAI:: Learning from BBC Cymru Wales in embracing Neuro-Inclusive Design.
As businesses strive to create environments that cater to all individuals, the need for employee and visitor equity in design becomes paramount. Neuro-inclusive design, which considers the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals, is a critical component of this approach. BBC Cymru Wales has set a commendable example in adopting inclusivity in their workplace and for visitors, demonstrating how thoughtful design can transform experiences.
The referenced in whole news piece below, from BBC Cymru Wales, highlights how hospitality businesses can enhance inclusivity and reap significant benefits in the process.
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BBC Cymru Wales Broadcast Centre
The new site for BBC Cymru Wales is revolutionising our approach to Inclusivity in the workplace.
The BBC Workplace team is always working hard to make our buildings as inclusive as possible. Our new location in Cardiff, BBC Cymru Wales Broadcast Centre has broadened that ambition through its pioneering design of interiors that consider neuro-inclusion.
Creating new spaces
Creating spaces that are sensitive to neurodiversity does not mean compromising on design quality or adding a cost premium to the project. The ambition was to create energetic, colourful and collaborative spaces that were still sensitive to neurodiversity, so the best way to do that is through constant conversation with the people involved with the project and by consulting closely on design decisions throughout the process.
The approach was also supported by the BBC’s own neurodiversity initiative BBC Cape, whose cognitive accessibility toolkit helped us examine many different elements of the design, while their 360VR (Virtual Reality) experience led us to think in more detail about how people with neurodivergent conditions like autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia experience space, with different perceptions, memory processes and judgements of time and distance.
Considerations for the design on the interior included things like how landmarks, colour and texture can assist wayfinding; using the right colours and contrasts in the manifestations, fabrics and flooring; and training the reception staff to help all people use the building.
Inclusive design
Our consultation process emphasised the importance of giving visitors and staff information about the experience of the building before arriving, allowing them to preview and prepare their journey, or plan the work setting that would suit them best.
Perhaps one of the simplest and most impactful changes we made was with lighting. Flickering lights are commonplace in office environments and can be a major hindrance. Non-flickering LED lamps and a drop in lighting levels – when compared to BCO (British Council of Offices) standards – are more welcoming and easier on the eyes.
We knew from our work that open-plan environments cannot work for everyone all the time, so we wanted to make sure these elements were complemented by a range of different spaces.
Our new building in Cardiff will have quiet and calm spaces which can be found throughout each floor, giving colleagues somewhere to get away from the noise and hubbub and do their best work.
A cultural change
Many people who walk into BBC Wales Broadcast Centre will not notice that it is a neurodiversity building – and this is a good thing! The specific design features that have helped us achieve this level of inclusivity have been woven into the building, which means we can welcome a broader demographic of people to the building.
It’s all about creating a fairer environment which allows us to maximise the potential of the BBC’s two key investments: people and property.
Wellbeing in the workplace is high on the agenda and that means more acknowledgement that one size does not fit all when it comes to having a productive office.
By utilising the power of thoughtful, high quality design we can innovate the thinking around what makes a building inclusive.
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By following the example set by BBC Cymru Wales, hospitality businesses can foster a more inclusive environment that benefits both employees and visitors. Embracing neuro-inclusive design not only ensures that neurodivergent individuals feel welcomed and valued but also enhances the overall experience for everyone.
The business benefits are substantial the two main pillars tp benefit being:
- Improved employee satisfaction and productivity
- A broader customer base