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Inclusive Design
Inclusive design isn’t just about compliance – it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels comfortable, including neurodivergent, visually-impaired, elderly, and mobility-impaired people. With evidence-based, occupant-centred colour and design principles, we can help you create more inclusive spaces, emphasising visual contrast and lighting to enhance navigation and well-being.
Neurodiversity: why visual cues matter
Dulux expert Dawn Scott discusses the principles of functional design in public spaces on the Interior Design Podcast.
Colour and mental health
Dulux expert Dawn Scott explains the links between colour, interior design and mental health in this CPD podcast.
The key principles of inclusive design
1. Colour & Contrast
Colour is one of the most effective tools in creating inclusive environments. It can improve safety, support wayfinding, and reduce cognitive load – particularly for people with visual impairments, dementia, or neurodivergent conditions.
Key considerations:
- Use Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) to ensure sufficient contrast between walls, floors, doors, and fixtures.
- Avoid colour combinations that are difficult to distinguish for users with Colour Vision Deficiency (CVD).
- Use consistent accent colours to aid wayfinding and space recognition.
- Soften transitions between zones with tonal palettes where appropriate to reduce visual overwhelm.
2. Surface Finishes & Patterns
The finish and pattern of surfaces can significantly affect how a space is experienced – particularly for those with sensory sensitivities or reduced depth perception.
Key considerations:
- Choose matt finishes to minimise glare and light reflection.
- Avoid heavily patterned flooring or wallcoverings that may cause confusion or visual stress.
- Use consistent tones on floors to avoid perceived level changes or hazards.
- Consider tactile finishes to support navigation for users with visual impairments.
3. Lighting & Visual Conditions
Lighting has a direct impact on how colours are perceived – and on the overall comfort of a space. Inclusive design takes into account how lighting interacts with surfaces and colour schemes.
Key considerations:
- Ensure colours are tested under realistic lighting conditions (natural and artificial).
- Avoid harsh lighting contrasts that may cause glare or visual fatigue.
- Align paint finishes with lighting types to support clarity and reduce reflection.
- Managing ambient noise levels is also important – consider acoustic finishes in high-sensitivity areas.
4. Layout & Wayfinding
Spatial clarity and intuitive navigation are key to helping people feel safe and confident in a space – especially in healthcare, education, and residential settings.
Key considerations:
- Use colour zoning to define different functions and guide movement.
- Ensure doors and key features contrast clearly with surrounding surfaces.
- Design simple, logical layouts that reduce the need for excessive signage.
- Avoid mirrored layouts and sudden transitions that can disorient users with cognitive or neurological conditions.
Dulux Trade Inclusive Design Videos
Why inclusive design matters
In this video, architect and inclusive design consultant Stephanie Kyle reveals how inclusive design has evolved.
Neurodivergence and colour
In this video, Dulux Trade’s Senior Colour Designer, Dawn Scott, discusses neurodiversity and the importance of inclusive design.
Inclusive Design for Commercial Spaces
This guide offers design ideas and ready-to-use palettes for office, education, healthcare, hospitality, and residential environments. This includes dedicated sections on Neurodiversity and Dementia, helping you to create beautiful spaces that truly work for everyone.
Dulux Trade Colour Schemer
There is an easy tool for professionals to create sector specific mood boards and colour schemes for various sectors such as healthcare and education. This tool includes tailored examples such as palettes for dementia and autism.
Legislation & Design Standards
By aligning our evidence-based colour and design principles with the latest regulations, we can help you deliver projects that comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, Building Regulations Approved Document M, vol. 2, 2015, British Code of Practice: BS8300-2:2018, and Publicly Available Specification PAS 6463:2022 Design for the Mind- Neurodiversity and the Built Environment guide.
Inclusive design case studies
BRE Dementia House
Discover how Dulux Trade and BRE adapted a demonstration house using evidence-based Dementia Friendly Colour Palettes.
SEND School
Discover how Dulux Trade helped design two multi-sensory classrooms at Firwood High School in Bolton.
Windrush Academy
One of London’s largest primary schools tackles behavioural issues with the help of the Dulux Trade team.
Inclusive design resources
Ask the expert: Colour and inclusive design
Read this Architecture Today article on inclusive design.
Designing for Dementia
Learn more about Dulux Trade’s Dementia-friendly colour palettes.
Design for Neurodivergent People
Exploring the latest evolution of inclusive design with UltraFabrics®.
Dementia & Elderly Care
Visit our sector page on the Elderly Care and Dementia sector.
Sign up for Specifier News
Stay informed with sector-specific solutions, Dulux Trade product innovations, colour guidance and literature, plus the latest developments in sustainability.
Specifier Services
Contact the team
We’re always on hand to answer any queries on how we can help you with your your inclusive design projects.
