Muirhead, a manufacturer of aviation leathers, has developed a new seat cover design concept, created to improve accessibility in the cabin for blind and visually impaired travellers. The concept is the latest evolution of Muirhead’s ‘Sensation’ collection, which highlights the importance of texture, colour contrast, and tactile signposting in helping passengers navigate their surroundings with greater confidence.
Building on last year’s theme of neurodiverse-friendly aircraft seat covers, the 2025 Sensation collection is intended to inspire CMF designers as they envision the future of aircraft cabins, with a greater focus on the needs of a broad spectrum of people.
The Muirhead team conducted extensive research in the development of the new collection, which brings in a range of tactile and high-contrast elements that can empower blind and visually impaired passengers to navigate the cabin independently. The functional colour palette also incorporates warm earth tones to evoke a calming atmosphere in the cabin.
Muirhead has made use of the advanced embossing and digital print capabilities at its facilities in Scotland, to create seat cover designs featuring raised seat numbering. The team has also created Braille-embossed safety instructions, which have been transcribed for Muirhead by students from the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford, UK. The headrests have also been enhanced with digitally printed seat numbers, to cater to the needs of passengers with low vision.
All these elements are carefully integrated into the seat design to assist blind and visually impaired passengers, while maintaining a sleek, sophisticated finish.
Jamie O’Donnell, lead designer at Muirhead, said of the 2025 collection: “Blind and visually impaired passengers deserve cabin interiors that empower them to travel with confidence and dignity. Thoughtful seat cover design plays a crucial role in making that possible.
“By integrating tactile signposting, Braille, and high-contrast colours into their design choices, airlines can create a more intuitive and comfortable experience – one that enhances accessibility without compromising on style or quality.”
If you’re going to Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2025 next month, you can find out more at Muirhead’s stand (6E95).
