What is cognitive inclusion in smart technology?

Cognitive inclusion is valuing and incorporating diverse ways of thinking, learning, and problem-solving. Broadly speaking, we all have unique cognitive styles, perspectives, and approaches to processing information. However, when we intentionally create inclusive spaces for people outside of the ‘norm’, these differences can be acknowledged and leveraged for better outcomes. By bringing together alternative ways of thinking, we can foster creativity, innovation, and better problem-solving, and also mitigate unconscious biases by exposing individuals to views that challenge their assumptions.

In product design, cognitive inclusion refers to technology design that works for people with diverse ways of thinking, processing, and interacting with the world. It moves beyond physical accessibility and considers how different users perceive, understand, and respond to information. For neurodivergent individuals, this may involve:

• Simplifying interfaces and reducing cognitive load
• Offering customisable sensory inputs (e.g. sound, light, haptic feedback)
• Using predictable and intuitive interaction patterns
• Designing with executive function challenges in mind (e.g. time blindness, memory lapses)

Inclusive IoT for neurodivergent users means giving more control, more choice, and a non-judgmental space to interact with their environments.

The competitive advantages of neurodiversity in the workplace

When it comes to diversity and inclusion priorities, neurodiversity is often lower on the list. In a survey conducted on workplace inclusion, 64% of neurodivergent workers believed their organisation could be doing more to support people with a neurodiverse condition – 52% of neurotypical workers felt the same. Regarding what would help neurodivergent employees feel more supported:

• 31% said they would benefit from specialist software with tools to support reading, writing, and research
• 24% suggested neurodiversity awareness training for colleagues to reduce harmful misconceptions
• 17% felt they would benefit from a dedicated support network
• 16% said that dedicated quiet spaces would be helpful

From a business perspective, the advantages that a diverse and inclusive workforce brings to the table are significant – and frequently overlooked. Neurodivergent people think in truly unique ways, as they are gifted with essential cognitive skills in the digital age:

• Autistic people are known for their creativity, logical thinking, strong visual reasoning, and attention to detail — qualities that make them meticulous and insightful problem-solvers.
• People with ADHD also score higher on creativity tests than neurotypical individuals and can enter states of hyperfocus, allowing them to deeply concentrate on areas of interest.
• 84% of dyslexic individuals demonstrate above-average reasoning, pattern recognition, and decision-making abilities — skills that are especially valuable for seeing the bigger picture and evaluating multiple perspectives.

An additional benefit of an inclusive work culture is that it fosters diversity of thought, different approaches to work, innovation, and creativity. Research published in the Harvard Business Review suggests that teams with neurodivergent professionals in some roles can be 30% more productive than those without them. Abilities such as visual thinking, attention to detail, pattern recognition, visual memory, and creative thinking can help illuminate ideas or opportunities teams might otherwise have missed.

How IoT for neurodivergent users can be transformative

While neurological differences can offer many advantages, they can also make neurodivergent people hypersensitive to environmental stimuli. This can sometimes result in Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), where the brain struggles to receive, interpret, and respond to sensory information from the environment in a typical way. As a result, individuals may find it challenging to regulate their emotions, maintain balance, or process visual and auditory information — making it harder to respond consistently or comfortably in everyday situations.

This is where the Internet of Things (IoT) can be a transformative solution to helping neurodivergent people navigate potentially overwhelming situations. The power of IoT as a sensory feedback tool lies in its ability to automate, personalise, and adapt — collecting real-time sensor data and transmitting it to a mobile application where sensory information (e.g. light levels, ambient noise, or temperature fluctuations) is presented in a user-centred format. Such features can support independence, reduce sensory overwhelm, and offer real-time insights. Here’s how:

1. Environmental Control and Sensory Regulation

Smart home devices can allow users to:

• Dim lights or adjust colour temperature to reduce visual strain
• Lower or eliminate background noise using smart speakers or white noise generators
• Set up “calm” scenes with one-tap controls for lighting, temperature, and music

This can be particularly valuable for individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as autistic users or those with sensory processing disorder.

2. Routine and Task Management

IoT-connected calendars, alarms, and prompts can:

• Guide users through daily routines (e.g. getting dressed, brushing teeth)
• Help with time management and task switching
• Support executive functioning with visual or tactile cues

Voice assistants, for example, can break down tasks into manageable steps, making overwhelming routines feel more achievable.

3. Real-Time Emotional and Behavioural Feedback

Wearables and biometric IoT devices can track:

• Heart rate variability and stress levels
• Sleep quality and movement patterns
• Changes in physiological signals that may indicate emotional dysregulation

These insights can help neurodivergent users better understand their needs and build self-regulation strategies over time.

4. Safe, Adaptive Learning Environments

In educational settings, IoT-enabled spaces can:

• Adapt lighting and sound to reduce distractions
• Use connected tools (like smartboards or AR headsets) to support multi-sensory learning
• Create personalised learning schedules based on student feedback or biometrics

This allows neurodivergent students to engage in ways that suit their learning styles without needing constant adult intervention.

Real-world example of neuro-inclusive IoT

Most mainstream devices aren’t built with neurodiversity in mind — and even fewer are explicitly designed for neurodivergent users. This creates a significant gap in the market, one that Cubbie is actively working to fill.

Cubbie is a smart sensory management pod that helps individuals regulate their sensory experience in real-world environments such as schools, offices, and hospitals. Here’s how it works:

• A customisable space with adjustable lighting, sound, and visuals tailored to support comfort, focus, or emotional regulation.
• Adapts to provide either stimulating or calming environments based on the user’s sensory needs in the moment.
• Cloud-based software delivers personalised programmes drawn from each user’s unique sensory profile.
• Proven to reduce stress and anxiety by up to 80% in under 15 minutes, helping users return to social or professional settings with greater confidence.
• Once registered, users can enter any Cubbie pod, anywhere, and instantly access their individualised programme.

What makes Cubbie truly inclusive is that, while it’s designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind, its benefits are universal. Neurotypical users also benefit from a few minutes of sensory respite — reinforcing the idea that inclusive design doesn’t exclude; it elevates experiences for everyone.

If you’re developing an innovative product for neurodivergent users and are looking for a tech partner to ensure that key principles of inclusive design (e.g., low stimulation modes, simplicity, customisability) are met, we’re here to help. User-centred design is at the heart of all our work, and we believe that innovation is fostered by collaboration. Book a free discovery call with us, and let’s build a product to transform your users’ lives!

Challenges with designing inclusive IoT

Designing inclusive IoT comes with its own set of challenges:

• Bias in data: AI-driven systems may not have been trained on neurodiverse data sets.
• Over-dependence: Users risk becoming overly reliant on tech without cultivating their own coping strategies.
• Consent and autonomy: Tech designed for children or vulnerable adults must ensure dignity and privacy (especially when collecting sensitive information such as emotion or health metrics) and avoid over-surveillance.
• Sensory overload: Devices themselves can trigger discomfort if visual, auditory, or haptic feedback isn’t adjustable.
• Lack of co-design: Without input from neurodivergent users, solutions may fall short of real needs.
• Accessibility and affordability: Inclusive design must include inclusive access — both in cost and usability.
• Interoperability issues: Poor integration between devices can cause confusion and reduce usability.
• Stigma: Products must avoid unintentionally reinforcing stereotypes or social exclusion.

Final thoughts on innovative solutions for neurodivergent people

The future of inclusive IoT isn’t just about assistive technology for a specific demographic — it’s about designing solutions that ultimately enhance daily life for everyone. Just as text-to-speech was initially developed for visually impaired users, or how hands-free interfaces were created to support people with physical disabilities but are now universally adopted, technologies designed for neurodivergent users can follow the same trajectory.

This shift calls for genuine cross-sector collaboration: engineers, UX designers, educators, healthcare professionals, and neurodivergent individuals working together to ensure innovation is equitable, empowering, and scalable.

If you’re as passionate as we are about creating products that embrace cognitive diversity, schedule a consultation with an expert on our team. Let’s explore how inclusive design can unlock your product’s full potential.