Enhancing Accessibility & User Experience at Next Steps Neurodiversity Expos

The Next Steps Neurodiversity Expos, led by Lea Anna, are designed to empower neurodivergent individuals by fostering inclusive environments, community connections, and systemic change. With a focus on sensory-friendly spaces, intuitive navigation, and streamlined event operations, Sydney Ledden has applied user experience (UX), service design, and research to create a more accessible and low-stress experience for all attendees.

1. Sensory Rooms: A Calming Space for Neurodivergent Attendees

To ensure that neurodivergent attendees feel supported, Sydney has designed modular sensory rooms that provide a quiet retreat from the event’s stimulation. Her approach includes:

✔ Thoughtful Layouts for Comfort & Visibility

• Semi-private seating areas using pipe and drape to create refuge while maintaining open sightlines for safety.

• Flexible seating options allow attendees to adjust the space to their needs.

✔ Portable Sensory Tools & Grounding Resources

• Fidget tools, weighted lap pads, and creative supplies to help attendees regulate sensory input.

• Calming visual displays, such as TV screens or art installations, showcasing slow-moving nature scenes to promote relaxation.

✔ Lighting & Sound Design for Reduced Overstimulation

• Warm, indirect lighting (flush-mount or cove LEDs) reduces harsh glare and sensory discomfort.

• Sound-dampening materials (pipe and drape) prevent echoes and reduce auditory stress.

• Soft ambient sounds (e.g., rainfall, ocean waves) create a gentle, predictable background.

✔ User Feedback for Continuous Improvement

• QR codes and forms capture real-time attendee insights to refine future sensory room designs.

Research Insight: Nature-based visuals and controlled sensory environments activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and improving focus (Kellert, 2018; ScienceDirect, 2023).

2. Intuitive Signage: Clear Navigation for Reduced Cognitive Load

Sydney has implemented wayfinding strategies to make the expo space easy to navigate, addressing challenges faced by neurodivergent attendees, such as executive dysfunction and sensory overload.

✔ High-Contrast, Easy-to-Read Signage

• Large, simple fonts (Arial, Helvetica) in neutral, non-distracting colors.

• Icons alongside text for nonverbal communication support (e.g., restroom, quiet zone, main hall).

✔ Strategic Placement & Pre-Event Familiarization

• Directional signage at key decision points (entrances, restrooms, sensory rooms, workshops).

• Digital and printed maps included in pre-event emails for attendees who prefer to prepare in advance.

Research Insight: Clear wayfinding reduces cognitive fatigue and enhances independent navigation for neurodivergent individuals (Environmental Psychology Research, 2022).

3. Streamlined Check-In & Registration: Reducing Stress & Wait Times

Sydney has reimagined the check-in process to ensure that attendees experience minimal friction upon arrival.

✔ QR Code-Based Entry & Self-Check-In

• Pre-registration system allows attendees to complete paperwork and payments in advance.

• Self-check-in kiosks and QR scanning eliminate long lines and verbal processing strain.

✔ Sensory-Friendly Check-In Options

• Trained staff on neurodivergent needs to provide patient, adaptive support.

✔ Automating Event Operations for a Smoother Experience

• Backend automation reduces staff workload and improves data collection for future improvements.

Research Insight: Digital self-service check-ins improve user experience by reducing cognitive load and wait times, making participation more accessible (McMains & Kastner, 2011).

4. Event Layout: An Intuitive, Accessible Space

Sydney’s layout optimizations create an inclusive, stress-free event environment.

✔ Clear, Open Pathways for Navigation

• Wide walkways (36” minimum) ensure wheelchair accessibility.

• Minimal crowding by placing key spaces away from high-traffic zones.

✔ Color-Coded Zones & Distinct Visual Markers

• Helps attendees easily differentiate between exhibit areas, sensory zones, and networking spaces.

✔ Break Areas & Flexible Seating Arrangements

• Rest stations throughout the venue for attendees to recharge.

• Varied seating options (back-row, near exits, floor seating) for comfort flexibility.

Research Insight: Intuitive layouts and predictable spaces significantly reduce anxiety and sensory overload, making environments more navigable (Universal Design Research, 2023).

5. User Research: Data-Driven Design for Future Events

Sydney is leading UX research to gather insights and refine event experiences for future expos.

✔ Attendee Feedback Collection

• Digital QR-based surveys at multiple locations.

• Incentives (raffles, fidget toys, tote bags) encourage responses.

✔ Touchpoint-Specific Evaluations

• Separate feedback forms for sensory rooms, check-in processes, and signage effectiveness.

✔ Data Analysis for Continuous Refinement

• Trends from multiple events shape ongoing UX improvements.

Research Insight: Incentivized feedback collection increases response rates by 40%, leading to more actionable insights (Environmental Psychology Research, 2022).

How Sydney’s Work Enhances Inclusion & Reduces Cognitive Load

Sydney’s user-centered design approach ensures that Next Steps Neurodiversity Expos are:

Welcoming & Accessible – Neurodivergent attendees feel comfortable and empowered to participate.
Efficient & Streamlined – Simplified check-in & navigation reduce stress and decision fatigue.
Data-Driven & User-Focused – Attendee feedback shapes future improvements.

By bridging the digital and physical experience through UX, service design, and research, Sydney is setting a new standard for accessibility and inclusion in large-scale events.

Reference Section

Music & Sound Therapy for Sensory Processing

• ScienceDirect (2023). The impact of music on sensory processing.

• PMC9441466 (2022). Music therapy and its therapeutic effects on neurodivergence.

• UT Dallas (2022). Neuroscientist studies music’s effect on the brain.

• PMC6199253 (2021). Effects of low-frequency sounds on relaxation and stress regulation.

• PMC (2021). Sound therapy for relaxation and sensory integration.

Lighting & Environmental Psychology

• Veitch, J.A., & Newsham, G.R. (2017). Lighting Quality and Productivity in Workspaces.

• WELL Building Standards (2023). Guidelines for Neuro-Inclusive Spaces.

Cognitive Load & Wayfinding

• McMains, S., & Kastner, S. (2011). Clutter and Cognitive Load: Impact on Focus.

• Environmental Psychology Research (2022). Wayfinding and Cognitive Load in Accessible Spaces.

Biophilic & Inclusive Design

• Kellert, S.R. (2018). Biophilic Design: Improving Creativity and Well-Being Through Natural Elements.

• Nanda, U., et al. (2020). Effects of Nature Imagery on Stress Reduction in Healthcare Settings.

Ergonomics & Accessibility

• OSHA (2020). Ergonomics in Hands-On Workspaces.

• Universal Design Research (2023). Principles of Accessibility for Neurodivergent Spaces.

This structured approach ensures sensory-friendly event design that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and a seamless user experience.