Table 4.

Designing for regulation: elements that foster safety and autonomic resilience

Design Element	Physiological Target
Predictable rhythm	Stabilizes autonomic state through structured transitions and routines
Prosodic communication	Engages the ventral vagal complex via warm tone and facial expressivity
Relational presence	Facilitates co-regulation and reduces physiological threat
Sensory safety	Minimizes auditory, visual, and tactile triggers to prevent defense
Participation & agency	Enhances autonomic flexibility by reducing powerlessness