November 7, 2025
5 Smart Designs That Boost Brain Function
From fractal-inspired surfaces to adaptive seating and sensory sanctuaries, these commercial products integrate neuroscience and biophilic design principles to support brain health. Designed with visuals, materials, and features that are proven to reduce stress, enhance focus, and promote cognitive function, they help create environments where people can work, learn, or rest with greater clarity and ease.
KI
Cogni
Developed by KI based on research into neuroscience and learning, Cogni classroom seating supports brain health and focus through movement, posture flexibility, and sensory engagement. Its cantilever frame encourages micromovements that boost blood flow and attention, while a patent-pending surface supports students—especially those with sensory processing needs—who seek tactile input to self-regulate and stay focused. It is ideal for K–12 settings thanks to an antitip design with patent-pending heel-wheel technology and a minimalist silhouette available in a modern color palette.
Momentum
Renaturation
Momentum’s Renaturation collection, developed with 13&9 Design’s Martin and Anastasija Lesjak and fractals expert Dr. Richard Taylor, harnesses the stress-reducing power of natural patterns. Taylor’s research shows that exposure to fractals with optimal complexity (measured by a “D-Value”) can reduce stress by up to 60 percent in just ten seconds. The wallcoverings’ patterns are scientifically calibrated to a D-Value of approximately 1.7—shown to be effective across diverse populations, including neurodivergent individuals. The PVC- and PFAS-free collection includes Fractal River, Moss, and Bark, each available in multiple colorways.
Mohawk Group
connectD
Developed with Fractals Research and 13&9 Design, Mohawk Group’s connectD 2.5 | 5.0 LVT features calming fractal patterns inspired by nature. Available in 18-by-36-inch tiles in 2.5-millimeter (glue-down) and 5-millimeter (loose-lay) options, it includes a 20-mil wear layer and M-Force™ Ultra protection. Part of the carbon-negative Hot & Heavy II collection, it’s NFSI certified and integrates with carpet tile. In addition, it is available in 14 QuickShip colors across three biophilic patterns.
Signify
NatureConnect Skylight Gen3
Skylight Gen3 is the latest addition to Signify’s NatureConnect system, designed to re-create the dynamic patterns of natural daylight indoors. Rooted in biophilic design and powered by nature-inspired algorithms, the faux skylight delivers melanopic light doses throughout the day to support circadian rhythms—helping people feel alert by day and restful at night. Ideal for work, health-care, hospitality, and education spaces, the two-by-two-foot luminaire features an intuitive user interface and dual 0–10 V inputs for precise control.
Silen
Zen
Silen Zen transforms any Silen office pod into a sensory sanctuary tailored for high-performance work environments. Drawing on research into the impact of mindfulness-based interventions, the add-on supports stress reduction, enhances focus, and fosters creativity. With smart-glass Privacy Mode, ambient lighting, and immersive soundscapes—like rainforest, ocean waves, and meditative music—it offers a restorative pause that helps people regulate emotions, clear mental clutter, and return to work refreshed.
Would you like to comment on this article? Send your thoughts to: [email protected]
Latest
Profiles
This Studio is Reworking Indian Modernism by Hand
In Bangalore, Phantom Hands builds a model of sustainability that merges tradition, technology, and ethical design in a living workshop.
Products
Lighting That Lets Shape Shine
From sculptural forms to fixtures inspired by nature—these three lighting trends reimagine how we shape space, mood, and meaning with light.