Neurodivergent design begins by identifying friction in environments.

Friction reveals patterns.

Patterns guide design.

Recipes translate patterns into practical environmental changes.

experience
friction
pattern
recipe
environment

This page connects the core patterns of neurodivergent life to the design recipes that resolve them.


Attention Friction

Attention friction occurs when environments repeatedly interrupt or destabilize focus.

Pattern → Recipe

PatternDesign Recipe
Pattern 01 — MonotropismDesigning Monotropic Workflows
Pattern 05 — Deep AttentionDesigning Attention Sanctuaries
Pattern 13 — Context Switching CostDesigning Predictable Environments
Pattern 15 — Attention AnchorsDesigning Attention Sanctuaries
Pattern 16 — Cognitive Load WindowsDesigning Recovery Cycles

Example Environments


Sensory Friction

Sensory friction occurs when environments overload the nervous system.

Pattern → Recipe

PatternDesign Recipe
Pattern 03 — Sensory LoadDesigning Sensory-Safe Spaces
Pattern 09 — Environment FitDesigning Predictable Environments

Example Environments


Energy Friction

Energy friction occurs when environments demand more cognitive or social effort than people can sustain.

Pattern → Recipe

PatternDesign Recipe
Pattern 10 — Energy AccountingDesigning Recovery Cycles
Pattern 11 — Burnout ThresholdDesigning Regulation Spaces
Pattern 12 — Energy RecoveryDesigning Recovery Cycles

Example Environments


Social Friction

Social friction occurs when environments demand constant social performance or rigid communication norms.

Pattern → Recipe

PatternDesign Recipe
Pattern 06 — Social EnergyDesigning Flexible Participation
Pattern 08 — Masking PressureDesigning Flexible Participation
Pattern 04 — Processing TimeDesigning Intermittent Collaboration

Example Environments


Cross-Domain Patterns

Some patterns affect multiple friction types.

Pattern → Recipe

PatternDesign Recipe
Pattern 02 — Spiky ProfilesDesigning Flexible Participation
Pattern 07 — Regulation FirstDesigning Regulation Spaces
Pattern 14 — Interest-Driven LearningDesigning Monotropic Workflows

The Design Pipeline

Stimpunks turns friction into environmental design knowledge.

friction
pattern
recipe
environment

Example:

masking fatigue
masking pressure
flexible participation
neurodivergent workplaces

Another example:

attention fragmentation
context switching cost
attention sanctuaries
studios and libraries

Continue Exploring

Friction Analysis

Patterns

Recipes

Environments