ABSTRACT
Sensory theory can inform the design of health systems. The appreciation of the diverse sensory needs of people can improve their experiences in place and space. The advantage of using sensory theories means that the way that people respond to smell, sound, sights, touch, and movement opportunities can be accommodated in work design. The neurological needs and preferences of different people in healthcare settings can be addressed by innovative design. Otherwise, people with diverse sensory needs and preferences can be subject to disturbances that cause stress and anxiety. This chapter describes a reliance on sensory theory with methods to consider the sensory needs and preferences of people that can inform the design of health, work, and education systems. Case studies are provided to explain how these design approaches diminish the transactional nature of healthcare encounters to foster nurturing experiences. This includes stories about job design for workers, the introduction of dogs to achieve sensory regulation among students, reflections on raising a child with a sensory processing disorder, and environmental design.
