Create focus for learning – minimise negative distractions

The brain is a fantastic processor – but it can only process one thing at a time. Therefore, learning spaces for children and young people should contain as few negative distractions as possible.

Safety and focus: The cornerstones of learning

In order to acquire knowledge, the brain must be allowed to focus without distraction. Our brains, especially young ones, can only take in one thing at a time. The thought that humans could “multitask” is a myth. In fact, we lose focus when the brain is forced to switch between different activities, often due to negative distractions.

For our brain to function optimally, we also need to feel safe. Otherwise, we end up in escape mode and have difficulty concentrating. An insecure brain can therefore be a negative distraction getting in the way for focused learning.

Furnish for focused learning

In school, distractions can come from many directions. It can be anything from bright colours to distracting patterns, buzzing fans, poor air quality, messy bookshelves, distracting noise, insufficient lighting, flickering lights or simply uncomfortable furniture. Visual impressions in the student’s line of sight, especially in classrooms, are particularly important in this context.

Curtains and screens can help reduce distractions. This might entail wanting to hide a wall full of art for the moment, or windows facing outdoor environments with a lot of movement. A good option when it comes to windows is to apply film to part of the window, reducing distractions while letting in the everimportant daylight.

With the help of carefully planned interior design solutions, we can minimise distractions, provide a clear view and create safe corners. This makes learning spaces calmer, safer and maximised for learning.

“Multitasking is a myth. Our brains are not made to do more than one thing at a time.” 

For many years, Ulrika Ahlqvist and Linda Bellvik from Hjärnberikad have collaborated with Sweden's leading neuroresearchers to clarify and explain the chemistry of the brain. 

  


10 tips for minimising negative distractions

1.

Closed or partially closed storage units minimise visual clutter and give a feeling of calm.

2.

Soft-closing drawers and doors reduce noise.

3.

Curtains along the walls make it easy to hide things that are not related to the current lesson.

4.

Frosted film on parts of the windows reduces the visual impact of disruptive motion outside.

5.

Partition screens, storage solutions and soft furniture with high backs create rooms-in-a-room and safe corners.

6.

Avoid patterns, bold colours and too many different colours in the same room.

7.

Mark home bases and zones using colour to enhance peace of mind and improve navigation.

8.

Carpet on carpet provides good acoustics and also clearly marks welcoming zones to sit down in.

9.

Sound absorbers in different designs and all types of upholstered furniture contribute to a better acoustic environment.

10.

Castors on chairs, tables, storage units and partition screens make for quieter movement.

Products for focused learning

Space

Space

Space Cabinet with drawers

48 Colours and materials | 158 Variants

Origo

Origo

27 Colours and materials | 64 Variants

Vibe

Vibe

Vibe Partition Screens

141 Colours and materials | 107 Variants

Xact

Xact

323 Colours and materials | 16 Variants

Gino

Gino

266 Colours and materials | 10 Variants

Junior

Junior

15 Colours and materials

Fields

Fields

Fields sofa

297 Colours and materials | 38 Variants

Read the full magazine

In the magazine Education Solution, we share knowledge and insights about how learning spaces affect the everyday lives of students and staff. You will explore how we together can create sustainable learning spaces for safety, focus, joy and an optimised learning.

Read the magazine here