The Regulation by Design™ Framework

Regulation by design focuses on three interconnected pillars that support human regulation within environments.

Together these help institutions reduce environmental strain, strengthen regulation capacity, and sustain environments that support while being.

Environmental load

What we reduce

Environmental load refers to conditions within an environment that increase cognitive or sensory strain

Examples may include:

  • excessive noise

  • Visual clutter

  • Harsh lighting

  • Credit or chaotic spaces

  • competing sensory demands

Reducing environmental load can help environments feel calmer and easier to function within.

Regulation Capacity

What we strengthen 

Regulation capacity refers to the ways environments can actively

support calm, attention and emotional balance. 

Examples may include: 

• quieter acoustic environments 

• natural elements and plants 

• balanced lighting 

• opportunities for movement and sensory reset 

• calm visual environments 

These features can help people maintain focus,

wellbeing and engagement. 

Sustainable Care Capacity

 What we protect and scale 

Sustainable care capacity refers to environments that support the

wellbeing of the people who work and learn within them. 

When environments reduce strain and support regulation, organisations can better sustain: 

• staff wellbeing 

• attention and participation 

• calmer cultures of care and learning.