KindRoot Research
Sensory Design Research by KindRoot
KindRoot was founded by Molly, who has always found kitchens a difficult space, often leading to overwhelm and overstimulation.
After years working in kitchen design, she began to understand how small things can have a big impact — a smelly bin, a cluttered worktop, harsh lighting or too many visual distractions can completely change how a space feels day to day.
When she started KindRoot, the goal became bigger — to create kitchens that feel calmer, clearer and more supportive, not just for those who have learned to cope, but for everyone.
Why we are doing this
Most kitchens are designed around how they look. We believe they should also be designed around how they feel.
Molly couldn’t understand why the kitchen design process — and the kitchens themselves — haven’t adapted to reflect the diversity of needs people have.
After research, conversations and countless real-life experiences, it became clear this wasn’t a niche issue — it’s something many people are quietly dealing with.
That’s what sparked this project.
This research will help us understand what causes overwhelm, what makes the design process harder, and what kind of support would make renovating feel easier and more human.
If kitchens worked better for people with sensory needs, they’d work better for everyone.
Be part of the research
There are two ways to be part of this research, depending on how you’d like to contribute.
1. Participate
Share your experience to help us understand how kitchens and the design process feel in real life.
Questionnaire One: Sensory Experience
How your current kitchen feels to live in — light, sound, clutter, layout and daily routines.
Questionnaire Two: The Design Process
Your experience of planning or renovating — stress points, decision fatigue and what would have helped.
2. Collaborate
Help us expand the reach of this research by sharing it with your audience, network or community.
This is especially valuable for designers, creators, professionals and anyone working with people who may benefit from more inclusive design.
You can also enquire about joining our research panel to help review findings, challenge assumptions and shape the Sensory Design Framework.
Enquire about collaboratingWhat happens next
We review responses with our research panel to identify patterns, needs and opportunities for better design.
Some participants may be invited into deeper case studies, and a small number will receive a personalised design session to test real-life improvements.
Where this is heading
This research will lead to the development of a Sensory Design Framework — providing practical, evidence-led guidance for designing spaces around sensory needs.
The goal is to create better tools not just for homeowners, but for the wider kitchen industry.
Alongside this, we are developing My Kitchen Planner — a free app designed to help people navigate renovations with less overwhelm, clearer decisions and more confidence.
Questions? Contact Molly at hello@kindroot.co.uk