These principles guide the Stimpunks approach to designing environments that support neurological diversity.
They grow out of the Stimpunks Pattern Language, the Design Method, and the philosophy that environments should adapt to human diversity rather than forcing people to conform.
1. Regulation Before Performance
People cannot learn, collaborate, or create when their nervous systems are overwhelmed. Environments should support regulation first.
2. Design for Range
Human minds vary widely. Good environments support a range of sensory, cognitive, and social needs.
3. Attention Is Ecological
Attention emerges from the relationship between a mind and its environment. Design should protect deep focus and reduce unnecessary interruption.
4. Processing Time Is Real Time
Many neurodivergent people need time to think, integrate information, and respond. Environments must respect processing time.
5. Consent Beats Compliance
Participation works best when people have agency. Environments should support voluntary engagement rather than forced conformity.
6. Care Is Infrastructure
Support systems, relationships, and recovery spaces are essential parts of functioning environments.
7. Design at the Edges
Environments that support people with the most complex needs tend to work better for everyone.
8. Multiple Communication Channels
People communicate differently. Good environments support speech, writing, asynchronous communication, and nonverbal participation.
9. Recovery Is Part of Participation
Energy is finite. Environments should allow for rest, decompression, and flexible pacing.
10. Build Environments Together
The best environments emerge through collaborative niche construction where communities shape the spaces they inhabit.
