Scottish leather supplier Muirhead has unveiled a new collection of aircraft seat covers that have been designed with neurodivergent adults in mind.
The Sensation collection is designed to address common barriers to travel for neurodivergent passengers, including those with neurological or developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, learning impairments or ADHD.
According to Muirhead, up to 80% of disabled individuals live with a non-visible disability. It worked with Scottish disability consultancy VIA on the designs, plus conducted research and spoke with neurodivergent individuals.
Jamie O’Donnell, designer at Muirhead, explained the thinking behind the new collection: “Air travel can be overwhelming for anyone but especially for neurodivergent individuals who tend to have heightened sensitivities compared to neurotypical travellers. Seat covers play a vital role in providing them with comfort and a sense of security, enabling them to better regulate their emotions onboard.
“While the industry is making strides towards accessible and inclusive cabin design, many current approaches tend to be overly medicalised or infantilising towards adults with non-visible disabilities. The inclusive cabin of the future must balance functionality with aesthetic appeal.
“We look forward to… supporting airlines and seat manufacturers in fostering a more inclusive and accommodating travel experience for all.”
The collection features a “soothing” monochromatic palette of greens, blues and neutrals to evoke a calming atmosphere. It also demonstrates how signage and patterns on leather seat covers could help passengers locate their seats and process their environment.
Other key features include a variety of bespoke leather embosses, highlighting the importance of textures in curating a multisensory experience for neurodivergent travellers.
