The Rise Of Sensory-First Design: Why Environments Are Being Built For The Brain, Not Just The Body

Today’s world struggles with attention, stress and a myriad of related issues. Every day, things like endless notifications, doom scrolling, the 24-hour news cycle and social media worm their way further into the collective consciousness, upending the calm and instilling a sense of overwhelm. The talking heads and echo chambers that show up each day only serve to amplify the issue.

As anxiety, attention issues, and sensory overload increase, relief is coming from an unexpected place: environmental design. Designers are prioritizing environments that regulate stress and support cognitive engagement.

This article will share how sensory-first design can help the brain as well as the body. But first, let’s take a quick look at the building sensory overload crisis.

The Rise Of Sensory Overload

Americans are stressed out. They’re deregulated, depressed and overwhelmed. According to data from the American Psychiatric Association’s annual mental health poll (via Psychiatry.org), 43% of adults in the U.S. felt more anxious than they did the previous year. That was in 2024. The number was up from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022. That’s a bad trend.

Current events, the economy, violence, elections and social media, there are plenty of things keeping Americans up at night. Stress and poor sleep aren’t helping, either. And that’s not the half of it.

ADHD diagnoses in adults have shot up by 27% in recent years. A staggering 81% of teens who developed ADHD connected the issue to overuse of technology. And speaking of technology, attention spans have been steadily dropping, and — what was that?

Everywhere you look, anxiety, ADHD, and other cognitive concerns are on the rise. Many people are struggling with sensory overload, as well. As the brain struggle to process everything, the environment can become overwhelming. This rising need for calm has put the focus on a unique solution: regulating environments through sensory-first design.

The Solution To Sensory Overload? Intentional Environments.

Your environment has a significant influence on your mental state. If 45,000 fans shout at the top of their lungs, it’s going to bring an intense reaction out of you. If you’re watching a ballet, chances are, your heart rate will be much lower.

The actual elements in your environment also cast a vote on how you feel. Texture, movement, sound and visual balance all help shape how people feel and behave in a space.

Mandy Jordan, certified playground inspector at AAA State of Play, points out the importance of sensory design as a way to intentionally balance a user’s experience in a space. She said, “Children today live in a fast-paced, screen-heavy world, and sensory play offers a refreshing counterbalance. Musical panels, textured surfaces, and tactile walls are no longer extras; they are becoming staples in modern playgrounds.”

The playground professional added that things like sand tables, water features and wobble boards “are more than fun. They support children with sensory processing needs while creating inclusive spaces where all kids can thrive. When play engages multiple senses, it becomes deeper, more meaningful, and unforgettable.”

The lesson extends beyond the wood chips and rubber mulch of the playground, too. Places like classrooms and healthcare facilities can also benefit from a sensory-first design model. Even workplaces can find value in this approach.

One study found that biophilic workspaces (that is, an office that connects people with nature using plants, light, and organic materials) can lead to “a 15% rise in output amongst employees after three months.”

To put that in perspective, the mere presence of a plant can significantly boost a person’s output. This isn’t rocket science. It’s simply an intentional willingness to integrate sensory solutions when designing spaces.

Designing Spaces for the Brain and the Body

The design process has more benefits than art and attraction. The way a space is colored, the textures of its materials, its layout and lighting — these are all areas that can benefit the brain as well as the body.

As Americans struggle with a rising number of strains and stressors, it’s important for designers to consider how the environments influence cognitive states. Whether it’s designing something as engaging as a playground or as mundane as a waiting room, intentional design with sensory needs in mind can help turn every space into a tool for tranquility and peace.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.