Dr. Wendy J. Ross, a leading developmental and behavioral pediatrician, recently turned to MillerKnoll to reimagine the waiting room experience at Philadelphia’s Jefferson’s Honickman Center. The facility serves as one of the most technologically advanced and thoughtfully designed individualized healthcare facilities on the east coast of the US and it was imperative that the waiting area serve the neurodiverse patients who arrive there each day.

“If you are neurodivergent, even routine doctor visits can be overwhelming,” said Dr. Ross. “To make healthcare more accessible to these patients, we have to start with the first and often times most anxiety-ridden touchpoint – the waiting room.”

Together, Dr. Ross and MillerKnoll’s Tailored Studio customized the first ever chair with a textured arm cap, privacy capabilities and additional enhancements and customizations, specifically designed for neurodiverse patients. While the initial scope of the project was the amenity floor and waiting rooms, the chair will be available for healthcare facilities globally.

“Building on more than five decades of knowledge and innovation, our healthcare team is proud to partner alongside leading doctors and designers to innovate and bring new products to market,” said Mike O’Toole, Senior Vice President of Healthcare at MillerKnoll. “An inclusive experience catered to the diverse needs of patients is essential in today’s healthcare environments and our team continues to push the boundaries forward on what we can build and design for our clients.”

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Update: In July 2024, the Herman Miller Palisade Sensory-Friendly Seating co-designed with Jefferson Health has been recognized as an honoree in Fast Company's Innovation by Design Awards in the sensory seating category.