The Stimpunks ecosystem explores how environments, institutions, and cultures can evolve when cognitive diversity is expected.
This atlas maps the structure of that system.
It connects:
- forces of neurodivergent life
- the pattern language
- design recipes
- environments
- institutions
- civilization-level change
Rather than a single theory, the atlas shows a living design landscape.
The Architecture of Neurodivergent Civilization
The Stimpunks system builds upward through multiple layers.
Forces↓Patterns↓Recipes↓Environments↓Institutions↓Culture↓Civilization
Each layer transforms the one below it.
Small design choices accumulate into large cultural effects.
Explore the full explanation in
The Architecture of Neurodivergent Civilization.
Layer 1 — Forces
At the base of the system are the forces shaping neurodivergent experience.
These forces interact continuously.
AttentionEnergyEnvironment
Explore these ideas in:
These forces generate the conditions that patterns describe.
Layer 2 — Patterns
Patterns describe recurring structures of neurodivergent life.
Examples include:
- Pattern 01 — Monotropism
- Pattern 02 — Spiky Profiles
- Pattern 03 — Sensory Load
- Pattern 04 — Processing Time
- Pattern 05 — Deep Attention
- Pattern 06 — Social Energy
- Pattern 07 — Regulation First
- Pattern 08 — Masking Pressure
- Pattern 09 — Environment Fit
- Pattern 10 — Energy Accounting
- Pattern 11 — Burnout Threshold
- Pattern 12 — Energy Recovery
Explore the full system:
Layer 3 — Recipes
Recipes translate patterns into practical design actions.
Examples include:
- Designing Attention Sanctuaries
- Designing Sensory-Safe Spaces
- Designing Flexible Participation
- Designing Intermittent Collaboration
- Designing Recovery Cycles
- Designing Predictable Environments
- Designing Monotropic Workflows
- Designing Regulation Spaces
Recipes make the pattern language actionable.
Explore more:
Layer 4 — Environments
Recipes become real when applied to environments.
Examples include:
- Neurodivergent Classrooms
- Neurodivergent Workplaces
- Neurodivergent Libraries
- Inclusive Meetings
- Designing Cavendish Space
These environments align attention, energy, and environment.
Layer 5 — Participation Systems
Collaboration itself must be redesigned.
Examples include:
These tools enable collaboration across different cognitive styles.
Layer 6 — Institutions
When environments scale, institutions change.
This includes redesigning:
Education
Learning systems built around cognitive diversity.
Work
Workplaces built for flexible attention and energy cycles.
Collaboration
Participation systems that allow multiple contribution styles.
Explore related pages:
Layer 7 — Culture
Institutions shape culture.
A neurodivergent culture recognizes:
- cognitive diversity as normal
- participation as flexible
- interdependence as foundational
Language plays a major role in cultural change.
Explore:
Layer 8 — Civilization
Civilization emerges from the interaction of all these layers.
ForcesPatternsRecipesEnvironmentsInstitutionsCultureCivilization
Explore these broader ideas in:
- A Pattern Language for Neurodivergent Civilization
- The Neurodivergent Civilization Stack
- The Neurodivergent Operating System
Navigating the Atlas
Several maps help readers navigate the Stimpunks ecosystem.
Explore:
- The Three Maps of Stimpunks
- The Stimpunks Universe Map
- The Stimpunks Pattern Atlas
- The Stimpunks Pattern Graph
Together these maps form the navigation system of the Stimpunks knowledge garden.
A Living Atlas
This atlas is not a finished theory.
It is an evolving landscape.
As new patterns, environments, and participation systems emerge, the atlas will expand.
Stimpunks functions as a design commons for exploring neurodivergent life and environments.