'Today, many design professionals aspire to be recognised for their role in enhancing health and well-being in spaces. To succeed in human-centred design, it's essential to understand human biology and how our non-conscious mind responds to the built environment,' Linda Kafka, founder of the NeuroDesign Academy says. Linda is one of Canada's leading experts on using science in design. We interview her to learn more about the influence of neuroscience on interior design and the practices taught at The NeuroDesign Academy.
This is part 1 of the interview with Linda Kafka, where we talk about the meaning of neurodesign, next week we'll discuss the cultural differences in neuroscience-based design and the upcoming trend: biophilic design.
Linda Kafka.
How did your personal journey lead you to the field of NeuroDesign, and what inspired you to create the NeuroDesign Academy?
'My journey into neurodesign is rooted in my background in marketing, where understanding human behaviour is pivotal to the success of campaigns and branding. In marketing, we often use neurodesign concepts to examine how our brains respond to design elements, optimising them for maximum impact. This approach naturally translated into my work in interior design and, later, my role in co-founding and creating the Science in Design course.
Over the past 15 years, I've focused on the human in the built environment. Specifically how people move through spaces as they age or as a result of a disability, and how the built environment affects our body systems—through air quality, light, water, acoustics, thermal comfort and more—by following the WELL Building Standards. This path led me to what I see as the next vital step: understanding our emotional connection to space. NeuroDesign Academy was born not just from my personal interest but also from the growing demand in the interior design sector to improve occupant health and well-being. To "design intentionally" allowing individuals to thrive within their spaces.'
Can you explain how NeuroDesign bridges the gap between neuroscience and interior design?
'Neurodesign connects neuroscience with design by examining how the brain and body respond to various elements in our built environments—such as light, colour, texture, furnishings, accessories, layout etc.—and using this understanding to create spaces that truly support well-being.
Over the past five years, I have focused specifically on neuroaesthetics, and how the brain responds to beauty. Science reveals that beauty isn't just visually pleasing—it's visceral. Our response to beauty triggers the release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, creating a cascade of positive effects that resonate throughout the body. These "feel-good" chemicals foster sensations of calm, joy, and even awe, showing that beauty is experienced not only with our eyes but also deeply felt within our entire being. As a result, physiological human responses include a reduction in stress by up to 60% in some cases, pain relief, and a decreased need for pain medications. Beauty also enhances social connection, reduces anxiety, promotes relaxation, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, and improves mental clarity, aids in creativity and productivity, demonstrating its profound impact on both emotional and physical health.'
'In interior design, creating a functional space is just the beginning. The harsh truth is that functionality and usability are the easy part—we've mastered that. The real challenge interior designers face today is to go beyond mere functionality and craft environments that resonate emotionally. This shift marks a new direction in design called "Form Follows Feeling," where the focus is on creating spaces that connect with people on a deep, emotional level.
To be a thought leader in design is to realise that good design is more than simply functionality. It is about connection—because as humans, we are inherently social beings, and connection, whether to people or place, is essential. The true essence of interior design lies not in the look but in its ability to evoke an emotional response. Neurodesign empowers designers to bridge this gap.'
How does this "Form Follows Feeling" principle shape the way spaces are designed?
'It emphasises designing spaces that prioritise the human experience and our emotional response to the built environment. Rather than focusing solely on functionality or industry trends, it encourages designers to ask, "How should this space make someone feel?" By centring on emotional impact, spaces are shaped to evoke specific responses, such as warmth, safety, and connection. This approach fosters environments that resonate deeply with individuals.
As an example, consider how humans naturally gravitate toward walls and enclosed areas, a concept known as thigmotaxis. If "thigmotaxis" sounds too scientific, think of it as an instinctive behaviour that helps humans feel secure. This genetic behaviour developed as a way to create a sense of safety and navigate our surroundings. It's similar to "Prospect-Refuge Theory," which explains that we naturally look for places in our environment where we can observe without being seen or retreat from potential threats. This instinctual need for grounding influences wall placement to create a sense of security. Designers need to firstly understand that all humans are "thigmotaxic" and incorporate this concept into the layout and details of open living spaces, ensuring people feel comfortably enclosed without losing openness.
Another area that encourages gathering, such as around a fireplace, further enhances this space's appeal, providing a central, emotionally resonant focal point that naturally draws people together. In addition, the fractals we see in the flames, with their repetitive, natural patterns, captivate us because they resonate with our brain's preference for symmetry and harmony, evoking a sense of calm and connection to the natural world.'
'To deepen the emotional connection, we also bring in design elements like organised complexity, which create visual interest that feels familiar and calming. Warm colours and textures add to the sense of cosiness, and details like wood grain, which is known to reduce blood pressure, along with textured fabrics, or natural stone to bring layers of sensory design that subtly engage our non-conscious mind.
Through these choices, neurodesign aims to engage our emotions by connecting with how our brains respond to sensory input, instinctive preferences, and environmental conditions. By focusing on how people feel within a space, "Form Follows Feeling" guides designers to create environments that are not only functional but also deeply supportive of human well-being and emotional resonance.'
How does the Academy's curriculum aim to empower design professionals to integrate science-backed strategies into their practice?
'Our curriculum is designed to provide both foundational knowledge and practical skills, helping design professionals understand not only the how, but also the why behind human-centred design. When designers embrace new insights, they intuitively incorporate these findings into their work, leading to natural self-improvement and innovation.
As creatives, many of us initially had little interest in science, but what we've come to realise is that interior design is a science in itself. At NeuroDesign Academy, we bring new information from the science world to the design world in an easy-to-digest format, bridging disciplines to make complex insights accessible and relevant.'
Looking forward, what are your goals for the NeuroDesign Academy?
'Our short-term goal is to help the interior designer industry realise how important they are in improving occupant health and well-being. It's a new selling proposition that they have yet to tap into. It not only sets them apart, builds their brand and gains clients' trust, but it allows them to increase their rates for their services with this unique expertise.
I feel confident in saying that interior designers are more than curators of beautiful spaces—they are essential advocates for health and well-being. By thoughtfully designing environments that support both mind and body, they hold the power to transform how we live, work, and connect with each other. Their work goes beyond aesthetics; it's a commitment to enhancing lives through spaces that nurture and inspire.'
Stay tuned for part 2 of the interview where we'll discuss the cultural differences in neuroscience-based design and the upcoming trend: biophilic design!
More information:
The NeuroDesign Academy
[email protected]
www.neurodesignacademy.com
Canada