Using Visual Neuroscience and Perception to Design Daycare Centers in Belgium

In an international collaboration between experts in visual neuroscience/perception, child development, and design, the researchers are creating a set of visual interiors for child daycare centers in Belgium. These designs are inspired by visual development data showing that 1) the visual system of infants/children has a restricted range of visual sensitivities, responding best to patterns that are coarse and of high contrast, and 2) infants/children prefer to look at certain visual patterns, for example, those that are symmetrical, consist of primary colors, are textured, and contain social meaning (for example, faces). In addition to promoting engagement, well-being and visual development, these designs and their implementation in Belgium raise cultural awareness regarding the impacts of the environment, including community spaces, and facilitate interaction and integration between experts in the field of visual neuroscience, mental health, child development and design.