A Scottish company which supplies leather to the world’s most-respected luxury car brands has revealed a new range of car interior concepts to help people who are neurodivergent.
Bridge of Weir Leather supplies to car brands such as McLaren, Jaguar Land Rover and more and it is aiming to create a calmer and more comfortable experience for car occupants but particularly those who neurodivergent.
It is estimated that around one in seven people is neurodivergent and the targeted use of colours, textures and patterns can play a key role in reducing stress and anxiety while also enhancing comfort.
The company is exploring new ways to support its customers through research-based in-house collections and ‘Conscious Collection’ is exploring the role of multisensory design in reducing driver stress and enhancing comfort.
It is building on the work of another Scottish Leather Group company, Muirhead, who supply 160 airlines.
Muirhead launched its ‘Sensation Collection’ to enhance the comfort of neurodivergent passengers on planes.
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Debra Choong, Design Manager at Bridge of Weir Leather, said: “Bridge of Weir’s goal is to interpret evolving design directions across colour, texture, and application, ensuring that our company, as well as our products, stay at the forefront of material innovation.
“With the Conscious Collection, our aim is to minimise potential stressors and ensure our natural materials contribute to a calming environment. Ultimately, we want to create interiors that foster inclusivity while celebrating the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals – enhancing the travel experience for all.
“Bright, highly saturated colours and complex patterns can contribute to sensory overload, making the environment feel overwhelmed rather than soothed. Reds, hot pinks and neon shades tend to be perceived as intense or ‘aggressive,’ potentially increasing stress. However, small accents of bright colour can have a positive effect, uplifting mood and boosting wellbeing – particularly for neurodivergent individuals who may experience anxiety or depression.
“Patterns should also be considered carefully. Abstract or high-contrast designs can be visually confusing, adding to cognitive strain. Instead, recognisable, rounded patterns with low contrast help maintain a sense of focus and calm.
“The ‘Conscious Collection’ is designed to inspire automotive designers to think beyond aesthetics and consider how multisensory design can transform occupants’ experiences. From material selection to colour psychology, we envision designers integrating our insights to create bespoke, human-centred spaces that cater to individual needs.
“By offering a diverse range of leather finishes and sensory-friendly design elements, we provide manufacturers with the tools to build interiors that prioritise comfort, minimise stress, and enhance overall wellbeing. At its core, this collection is about rethinking the relationship between materials and human experience – ensuring that car interiors are not just visually appealing but also intuitive, inclusive, and emotionally supportive.
“Car design is moving toward more personalised, human-centric spaces. By embracing neurodiversity and multisensory design principles, car manufacturers can create vehicles that don’t just transport people but actively contribute to their wellbeing. With the ‘Conscious Collection’, we’re taking an important step toward more thoughtful, inclusive interiors that redefine luxury through comfort, innovation, and emotional connection.”
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