Challenge

For individuals with sensory processing issues, a typical shopping experience was overwhelming. Amplified sounds, touches, smells, and movements could transform a store into a distressing environment. Our project addressed this challenge:

How could clothing retailers create inclusive in-store experiences that catered to neurodivergent needs while enhancing the shopping environment for all customers?

Through evidence-based research and co-design with the neurodiverse community, we aimed to develop accessible features that accommodated diverse needs. This initiative sought to raise awareness about neurodiversity in retail, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming shopping experience for everyone.

Project Timeline

Have conducted:

• Recruited & conducted 25 in depth interviews with members of the neurodiversity community.
• Recruited & conducted 10 interviews with sales assistant from diverse clothing retail shops.
• Conducted 4 conversations with designers specialisng in neurodiverse needs.
• Organised two workshop sponsored by the Neurodiversity Society at RCA.
• Undertook 2 shadowing field trips at Westfield
• Consulted with 2 neurodiversity experts, including a psychologist and a screening specialist.

Have created

• A framework mapping the pains of neurodiverse customer while shopping for clothing.
• One experience map crystallising the journey before, during and post buying.
• Created a solution portfolio and currently experimenting with neurodiverse and retailers.
• A service blueprint for our service proposition.
• One retailer guidelines book for neurodiversity inclusivity.

Final Presentation