NeoCon 2026: Designing for Human Experience

Every year, NeoCon offers a glimpse into where commercial design is heading. This year, one message was impossible to miss: the future of great design is deeply human.

Across workplace, healthcare, education, hospitality and public environments, conversations consistently returned to a common theme - how can the built environment better support people's wellbeing, independence, comfort and sense of belonging?

At Baresque Group's Showroom 394, our brands - Zintra Acoustic Solutions, func. and botton+gardiner - were proud to contribute to this evolving dialogue through innovations that place human experience at the centre of design.

Explore the showroom

Human-Centred Design Becomes a Business Imperative

The strongest trend emerging from NeoCon 2026 was a growing understanding that spaces have a measurable impact on human outcomes.

Designers are increasingly drawing on insights from medical professionals, neuroscientists, behavioural researchers and wellbeing specialists to better understand how environments influence stress, cognition, social connection and recovery.

This was particularly evident in discussions around healthcare and aged care, where designers are moving beyond compliance and accessibility requirements to create environments that actively support dignity, autonomy and quality of life.

Many of the industry's leading thinkers highlighted the importance of providing users with greater choice and control over their environment - from acoustics and lighting through to privacy, wayfinding and opportunities for social interaction. These principles are now influencing projects well beyond healthcare, shaping the future of workplaces, education facilities and civic spaces.

Acoustic Comfort Takes Centre Stage

A highlight for Baresque Group was the launch of Zintra Acoustic Lighting Solutions, which was recognised with a Best of NeoCon Silver Award for Acoustic Lighting & Lighting Technology.

The award reflects a growing recognition that wellbeing is multi-sensory. While lighting has long been considered a critical design element, acoustics are increasingly being recognised as equally important in supporting concentration, communication and emotional comfort.

The integration of acoustic performance and lighting within a single solution responds directly to the demand for environments that are both functional and human-centred.

As artificial intelligence and digital modelling tools continue to evolve, designers are also gaining new ways to simulate and optimise acoustic performance before a project is built, helping create healthier and more effective spaces from the outset.

Sustainability Through Adaptability

Sustainability remained a key topic throughout NeoCon, but the conversation has matured significantly.

Rather than focusing solely on material selection or embodied carbon, many discussions centred on how interiors can remain useful and relevant over longer periods of time.

The most sustainable space is often the one that doesn't need to be rebuilt.

This thinking aligns closely with func. which extends the flexibility and functionality of modular workspaces. By supporting reconfiguration rather than replacement, solutions like func.’s products help organisations adapt their environments as needs evolve.

The broader trend toward adaptive reuse and flexible planning reflects a growing recognition that longevity, adaptability and resource efficiency are essential components of truly sustainable design.

Technology Supporting Better Human Outcomes

Artificial intelligence featured prominently throughout NeoCon, but not as a replacement for creativity.

Instead, AI is increasingly becoming a tool that helps designers make better-informed decisions. From analysing movement patterns and occupancy behaviours to testing acoustic performance and evaluating workplace layouts, AI is providing new insights into how people interact with space.

These technologies are helping designers create environments that are more responsive, accessible and efficient, while still relying on human judgement to shape meaningful experiences.

The future is not about designing for technology. It is about using technology to design better for people.

Authenticity Matters

Alongside advances in technology, there was a clear desire for authenticity.

Across the exhibition halls, designers spoke about creating environments with a stronger sense of purpose, permanence and connection to place. Rather than chasing trends, many are seeking products and materials that feel genuine, timeless and enduring.

This was reflected in botton+gardiner's Prospect Collection, showcased throughout NeoCon, and the preview of the forthcoming Avenue Form range, launching in September. Both collections respond to the growing demand for public environments that balance performance, accessibility and meaningful human interaction.

Looking Forward

NeoCon 2026 reinforced a belief we have long held at Baresque Group: Great design begins with understanding people.

Whether through award-winning acoustic innovation, adaptable workplace solutions or thoughtfully designed public space furniture, our focus remains on helping designers create spaces that support wellbeing, encourage inclusion and deliver lasting value.

As expectations continue to evolve, the most successful environments will be those that not only perform well, but genuinely improve the daily experiences of the people who use them.

"After spending several days speaking with designers, architects and leaders from around the world, it was clear that our industry is becoming more focused on people than ever before. The conversations around wellbeing, adaptability and long-term sustainability were encouraging, and they reinforced the direction we're taking across our Baresque Group brands - helping create environments that perform better because they work better for the people using them." 

 — JJ Blaiklock (Right), Managing Director, Baresque Group