The Stimpunks framework turns lived neurodivergent experience into practical design knowledge.
Case studies demonstrate how the framework works in real environments.
Each case study follows the Stimpunks design process:
experience↓friction↓pattern↓recipe↓environmentSee:
- The Neurodivergent Design Methodology
- The Neurodivergent Design Playbook
- The Neurodivergent Design Field Guide
Case Study: A Neurodivergent Classroom
Many classrooms assume that learning happens through constant group interaction and rapid task switching.
For many neurodivergent students, this creates attention fragmentation and sensory overload.
Experience
Students report:
- difficulty maintaining focus
- exhaustion from constant transitions
- overwhelm in crowded classrooms
See:
Friction
The environment produces several forms of friction:
- attention fragmentation
- sensory overload
- limited processing time
Relevant Patterns
- Pattern 01 — Monotropism
- Pattern 03 — Sensory Load
- Pattern 04 — Processing Time
- Pattern 14 — Interest-Driven Learning
Design Recipes
- Designing Monotropic Workflows
- Designing Sensory-Safe Spaces
- Designing Predictable Environments
- Designing Flexible Participation
Resulting Environment
Case Study: A Neurodivergent Workplace
Modern workplaces often create attention fragmentation through constant meetings and interruptions.
Experience
Workers report:
- difficulty sustaining focus
- burnout from constant context switching
- exhaustion from continuous social interaction
See:
Friction
Work environments produce:
- attention fragmentation
- social energy depletion
- constant task switching
Relevant Patterns
- Pattern 05 — Deep Attention
- Pattern 06 — Social Energy
- Pattern 13 — Context Switching Cost
- Pattern 15 — Attention Anchors
Design Recipes
- Designing Attention Sanctuaries
- Designing Flexible Participation
- Designing Intermittent Collaboration
- Designing Monotropic Workflows
Resulting Environment
Case Study: A Neurodivergent Home
Homes play a crucial role in supporting regulation and recovery.
When homes lack recovery spaces, burnout risk increases.
Experience
Residents report:
- sensory overwhelm
- lack of quiet recovery space
- exhaustion from constant demands
See:
Friction
Homes sometimes create:
- sensory overload
- insufficient recovery time
- constant stimulation
Relevant Patterns
Design Recipes
Resulting Environment
Case Study: A Neurodivergent Community Space
Community spaces often unintentionally exclude neurodivergent people through sensory overload and social pressure.
Experience
Participants report:
- difficulty sustaining participation
- exhaustion from crowded spaces
- pressure to mask or perform socially
See:
Friction
Community environments produce:
- social pressure
- sensory overload
- limited autonomy in participation
Relevant Patterns
Design Recipes
Resulting Environment
Case Study: Cavendish Space
Cavendish Space is an experimental environment designed around neurodivergent patterns.
It integrates many elements of the Stimpunks framework.
Relevant Patterns
- Pattern 01 — Monotropism
- Pattern 05 — Deep Attention
- Pattern 06 — Social Energy
- Pattern 11 — Burnout Threshold
Design Recipes
- Designing Attention Sanctuaries
- Designing Flexible Participation
- Designing Intermittent Collaboration
- Designing Regulation Spaces
Resulting Environment
Cavendish Space demonstrates how multiple design recipes can combine to form a coherent environment.
Why Case Studies Matter
Patterns and recipes provide guidance.
Case studies show how these ideas work in practice.
They help people see how the Stimpunks framework can be applied to:
- schools
- workplaces
- homes
- communities
- digital spaces
Over time, additional case studies can expand the playbook and refine the design patterns.
Continue Exploring
Design Framework
- The Stimpunks Design Method
- The Neurodivergent Design Methodology
- The Neurodivergent Design Playbook
