Visual and acoustic discomfort: A comparative study of impacts on individuals with and without ADHD using electroencephalogram (EEG)

Abstract

The vision of smart buildings that aim to be inclusive needs to take into consideration the diversity of human needs and the various ways in which individuals interact with and experience built environments. This contribution focuses on neurodiversity, specifically investigating how certain design choices and qualities of indoor environments can have distinct impacts on individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In a controlled laboratory setting, we created six conditions with modified lighting and sound designs. Participants (14 with and 13 without ADHD) were asked to perform an on-screen activity within these conditions, which were randomly ordered. The collected data includes biosignals from three devices including 32-channel electroencephalogram (EEG), eye-tracker, health monitoring bracelet, as well as task performance and self-reported comfort levels. We observed significant differences in the EEG data, suggesting the activation of a specific brain activity – a defense system – in situations of discomfort, but only for participants without ADHD. Such observed defense system against uncomfortable environmental conditions seems to be lacking, slow, or weak in participants with ADHD. This difference in neuro-responses underscores the necessity to design adaptive spaces that cater to a broad spectrum of sensory experiences. As we navigate the future of smart environment design, our research accentuates the importance of recognizing and accommodating the diverse sensory responses of individuals, thereby progressing towards truly neuro-inclusive built environments.