Osmotic Sensoria – a Neurodiverse Learning Space: Cognitive Flexibility through Guided Play

In the ever-changing landscape of technology, young generations navigate the complexities of a technological world; hence, it is imperative that we, the educators, understand the conditions that foster enriched learning environments that are truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive. As new technologies emerge—such as Mix Reality, the Metaverse, and AI—we must rethink the educational paradigm; however, despite innovations and efforts to embrace different ways of thinking and creating, the Industrialization Model still stands as the norm. There is a pressing need for a paradigm shift, particularly in diversity, equity, and inclusion, where neurodiverse learners often find themselves marginalized in traditional learning spaces. To contest the status quo, Osmotic Sensoria is a pop-up installation that explores ways to stimulate brain learning systems naturally and organically—neurodivergent and neurotypicals alike—through an immersive experience where multiple participants engage in guided play, kinetic learning, and multisensory stimulation (oral narrative, visual projections, and other) to enhance cognitive flexibility and creative thinking.

This research paper explores ways in which design and cognitive neuroscience intertwine to foster the conditions that create a robust neurodiverse space for enhanced learning. Grounded in principles of human-centered design and informed by research in educational models and cognitive neuroscience, Osmotic Sensoria serves as a design-led research artifact—a living laboratory—that collects people’s learning experience—as individuals and in a collective— to open discourse about the future of education as it relates to neurodiversity within a DEI model.

KEYWORDS: Neurodivergence, DEI, Kinetic Learning, Play, Human-centered, Design-led, Neuroscience, Technologies

Presenter: Gigi Polo,  The New School

Session type: Design Your Own (DYO) Session (flexible time)

Time listed is Singapore time.