Accessibility in Microgravity: Lessons from AstroAccess

Designing microgravity navigation for blind and low-vision flyers produced insights that apply far beyond space.

Directionality without sight

An origami tactile environment with directionality — scales, pattern-density change — let flyers orient without vision. It worked in microgravity and points at better wayfinding on Earth.

Fundamental, not niche

Accessibility constraints, taken seriously, tend to improve the design for everyone.