“Solitude-first design is not designing for loneliness; it is creating opportunities for the isolated individual to be out in the world, alongside groups of people, without feeling excluded.”

–Francesca Specter, New York Times

The traits of extraversion—gregariousness and comfort with the spotlight—are often seen as synonymous with leadership, confidence, ability, and likability—especially in the United States. Author Susan Cain coined the term "extrovert ideal" to describe this well-researched preference of people in Western societies.

But where does that leave introverts or ambiverts? Research by Adam Grant and others has shown that introverted leaders, managers, and bosses can demonstrate amazing strengths. But the "extrovert ideal" is one reason so many of us have learned to display extraversion to the outside world.

The designs of the physical spaces that create the stages of our lives largely serve an "extrovert ideal." These environments are built on the assumption that when we force people together, they’ll be more social; if we provide constant stimulation in terms of television, music, and activities, people will be happy and not grow bored and leave.

That may be true for some people or some moments. But it can also cause a reaction like what I see in my young daughter when we first arrive at a children’s party that is already underway—a total retreat to safety. In her case, this means clinging to my legs like a barnacle. She copes the best way she knows how. Many adults cling to their phones or headphones in public spaces, retreating into a world that feels safer and more manageable than the one we are in.

What many of us crave—especially introverts, but extroverts as well—is joyful solitude. Solitude can get a bad rap at times. It can be seen as........

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