Why Inclusive, Sensory-Friendly Design Matters More Than Ever

• ShareCopied to clipboard
• LinkedIn
• Mail
• Print

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more museum visitors are experiencing overstimulation—a state where sensory input becomes overwhelming, making it difficult to fully engage with exhibitions and public spaces. As we return to busier, noisier, and brighter environments, this shift has sparked new conversations across disciplines, from audiology to psychology, about how our bodies and minds are adjusting.

Audiologist Sharon Sandridge, PhD, notes a rise in auditory overstimulation, especially among those who spent quarantine in quiet, low-stimulus environments. Without the constant background noise of daily life, the brain may have lost some of its multitasking capacity—particularly the ability to filter out competing sounds and focus on a single conversation. This is especially difficult for individuals who do not live with small children or in multi-person households.

For many neurodivergent individuals, such as those with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorder, these challenges aren’t new. They’ve been navigating an overstimulating world for years, often masking their discomfort. The pandemic didn’t create these sensitivities—it simply made them more visible. In fact, for some, the pandemic offered a quieter, more manageable environment. Returning to overstimulating public spaces has exposed just how ill-suited many environments are for diverse sensory needs.

Psychologists also observe overstimulation through the lens of anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. Heightened sensory awareness became common during the pandemic, especially since loss of smell and taste were early indicators of COVID-19. This acute awareness across all five senses may have left a lasting impact. For individuals with conditions like post-concussion syndrome or hearing loss, sensory sensitivities can be even more pronounced.

What Does Sensory Overload Look Like in Museums?

Sensory overload occurs when a person’s senses are overwhelmed by excessive stimuli. It can manifest in many ways—from feeling anxious in loud spaces to experiencing nausea from strong smells. While it’s often associated with neurodiversity, sensory sensitivities can affect anyone, regardless of diagnosis, age, or background.

Watch for These Signs:

• Anxiety and Stress: Visitors may appear visibly anxious or express discomfort.
• Difficulty Focusing: They may struggle to engage with or comprehend the exhibit.
• Disengagement: Visitors might leave early or seem uninterested.
• Physical Reactions: Look for signs like headaches, dizziness, or nausea.

When you notice these signs, offer a respite space—a quiet room or calming area where visitors can reset. Once they feel comfortable, gently engage with them to understand what may have caused the reaction.

Common Overstimulation Triggers in Exhibits

• Auditory Overload: Loud audio, echoing rooms, or conflicting sound sources.
• Visual Overload: Bright lights, flashing screens, cluttered layouts, or overly busy designs.
• Olfactory Overload: Strong scents from materials, cleaning supplies, or interactive elements.
• Tactile Overload: Exhibits requiring frequent touching or physical interaction.

Designing with Sensory Awareness in Mind

The good news? Overstimulation can often be addressed during exhibit planning and design. By incorporating sensory-friendly elements and universal design principles, you create spaces that are more welcoming to everyone.

Want to assess your space for overstimulation triggers?

Download the Sensory Overload Assessment Mini-Toolkit or reach out in the comments. Together, we can make your museum more inclusive—one sensory-aware exhibit at a time.

Alt Text: Vibrant watercolor illustration of a central rainbow spiral transitioning from purple to red, surrounded by symmetrical swirling flourishes—blue and teal on the left, yellow, orange, and red on the right.

---

Next Sunday’s feature is, Accidental Fundraisers, with the Accidental Fundraiser Mini-Toolkit.