At this stage of the project, I am still exploring potential directions and have deliberately avoided narrowing my focus too early. To help identify potential areas of interest, I created a large-scale Venn diagram mapping ideas related to travel, Neurodiversity, and their overlap.

Rather than focusing on a single problem, the exercise was intended to generate as many possibilities as possible. I wanted to explore both realistic and speculative concepts, ranging from service design and educational programmes to travel systems, support networks, digital tools, and immersive experiences.

The travel section focused on themes such as backpacking culture, travel planning, hostels, group travel, navigation systems, and decision-making tools. Several concepts emerged to reduce travel anxiety and simplify complex journeys through structured itineraries, AI-assisted planning, and guided experiences.

The neurodiversity section explored wider accessibility and support systems, including life skills education, independence training, parent and carer support, sensory preparation, advocacy, and public awareness. While some of these ideas are not directly travel-related, they highlighted broader challenges surrounding confidence, independence, and participation.

The overlap between the two areas proved particularly interesting. Ideas such as neurodivergent-friendly travel packages, sensory-informed travel preparation, supported group holidays, compatibility-based hostel accommodation, and virtual destination simulations began to emerge. These concepts suggest opportunities to rethink travel as a more accessible and inclusive experience rather than treating accessibility as an afterthought.

One concept that stood out was the idea of preparing travellers through immersive experiences before departure. This could involve virtual environments, sensory exposure exercises, cultural familiarisation, or guided training programmes designed to reduce uncertainty and build confidence. Another promising area was the redesign of social travel experiences, particularly hostels and group travel schemes that better support different communication styles, sensory needs, and social preferences.

Although many of the ideas generated are unlikely to become outcomes, the exercise has helped reveal several recurring themes. Independence, confidence-building, preparation, uncertainty, social connection, and accessibility appear repeatedly across multiple concepts. These themes may provide useful foundations for future research and project development.

At this stage, the diagram functions as a broad exploratory tool rather than a proposal. Its purpose is to identify patterns, uncover unexpected connections, and create a visual record of potential directions before moving into more focused research.

Reflection (small box at the bottom of the page)

Key themes identified:

• Independence
• Confidence building
• Accessibility
• Social connection
• Travel anxiety
• Sensory experience
• Preparation and planning
• Inclusive service design
• Supported exploration
• Community

Potential directions for further research:

• Neurodivergent travel experiences
• Accessibility in tourism and transport systems
• Sensory-friendly travel design
• Supported independence programmes
• Immersive pre-travel preparation tools
• Community-led travel initiatives