Mapping the Overlap - Finding Common Ground in Common Spaces
How do we make event experiences better for *everyone*?
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I talk a lot about neurodivergence, but that’s not the whole story.
I realized that as long as I kept talking about just the neurodivergent experience, this was going to be viewed by some as an 'us vs them' situation, and someone always loses when you frame things that way.
A key question is: what do neurodivergent and neurotypical people have in common? Because I have talked to other event goers at many different events, and there are always people who are frustrated by something.
No experience can be perfect for everyone, but what if we could know what things are most consistently the detractors from a positive experience?
I have set out to answer that question.
When we "Map the Overlap", we can fix the things most people struggle with and make events better for everyone. In other words - win win!
Approximately 10 days ago I launched a sensory experience google survey for neurotypicals.
The responses began to come in, and I've compiled the initial results.
Again, this data is all from people who self-reported as neurotypical.
Initial data highlights:
-50% said they experience reactions to airborne allergens (such as pollen or pet dander)
-80% said they have been bothered by 'added scents' at an indoor event (most often perfume, air freshener, chemical cleaners)
-50% said that while outside of their home they would most prefer an ambient volume of 50-60 dB (approximately the volume of an active office space)
-90% said they have been bothered at least once by sound, music, or noise at a social event
-40% said they have left a public event at least one time because they felt it was 'too loud'
-60% said they would or have avoided returning to a particular venue because of the auditory experience they had at that venue
-70% ranked SOUND as one of their top 2 complaints as the most important issues with event spaces
-40% said they have considered lighting at an event to be too bright
-100% said they found seating at venues to be too stiff or too hard
I feel that this is a really positive start. So I am going to keep collecting data.
This is part of why I began this work. I've been attending events for years and consistently frustrated with many of these issues, and I have consistently heard from others that they also are frustrated by them. Now I'm gathering concrete data to back it up.
Data can be the great equalizer, so now that I'm formally gathering it, it can be used to help venues and event runners understand that these things matter, and start to address them better to improve the experience of ALL their patrons!
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Have specific thoughts you'd like to share, or just want to book a consult? Reach out to lacey@neuromix.co
Lacey Artemis (she/they) is a neurodivergent speaker, consultant, and media producer. She is the founder of Neuromix Consulting which provides sensory accessibility and neuro-inclusion consulting, as well as anti-burnout play workshops. You can find out more at www.neuromixconstulting.com.
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