GS2023 – CARE: Designing from a Neurodivergent Point of View

As part of the GS2023 Graduation Show, Adeziv led the CARE workshop, applying neuro-inclusive design methods to rethink care in academic and professional spaces. The Graduation Show at Design Academy Eindhoven is one of the most anticipated events of Dutch Design Week, attracting over 75,000 visitors from around the world, including designers, industry professionals, and researchers.

For this edition, Adeziv was invited to create a participatory workshop addressing the question: “How can we care for the working staff, graduates, and students by making our environment more inclusive?” Using the Inclusive Club Collective methodology, we facilitated discussions and hands-on design sessions that led to concrete changes within GS23. Two dedicated quiet spaces were introduced, offering a calm environment with stim toys, comfortable furniture, and access to water. A visible but discreet allyship badge, the "Turn Panic into Magic" badge, was designed to foster inclusivity and signal support. Additionally, neuro-inclusion training sessions were held for staff, ensuring a more accessible and empathetic event environment.

This workshop was not just about conversation—it was about action. By embedding care into the design process, the project demonstrated that small, neuro-inclusive interventions could have a lasting impact on how large-scale design events approach accessibility and inclusion. GS2023 became a space where rest, support, and recognition of neurodivergent needs were not just considered but actively implemented.