Muirhead debuts seat cover designs for blind and visually impaired passengers

Scottish Leather Group business Muirhead, today unveiled its newest people-first design concept, which seeks to improve accessibility for blind and visually impaired travellers.



Image courtesy Muirhead


The latest evolution of Muirhead’s ‘Sensation’ collection highlights the importance of texture, colour contrast, and tactile signposting in helping passengers navigate their surroundings with greater confidence.

Building on the success of last year’s neurodiverse-friendly aircraft seat covers, the Scottish supplier’s 2025 collection seeks to inspire CMF designers as they envision the future of people-focused aircraft cabins.

Jamie O’Donnell, Lead Designer at Muirhead, said: “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.”



Developed through extensive research, the new collection introduces a range of tactile and high-contrast elements, empowering blind and visually impaired passengers to navigate the cabin independently. The functional colour palette incorporates warm earth tones to evoke a calming atmosphere.

Thanks to Muirhead’s advanced embossing and digital print capabilities, the designs feature raised seat numbering and Braille-embossed safety instructions – transcribed for Muirhead by students from the Royal National College for the Blind.

To cater to the needs of passengers with low vision, the headrests have also been enhanced with digitally printed seat numbers. These elements are carefully integrated into the seat design to assist passengers while maintaining a sleek, sophisticated finish.

Following the success of Muirhead’s Sensory Design Studio last year, they will be showcasing the benefits of their seat covers at AIX 2025.

Related

RAF Chinooks deploy aboard Queen Elizabeth for maritime training drill
An RAF-operated Chinook HC6A (serial ZH896) lifts off from the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) during Exercise Hathi Pol on 20 October 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Air Force
RAF Chinooks deploy aboard Queen Elizabeth for maritime training drill
RAF Chinooks have embarked aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, testing the UK’s heavy-lift tactical transport capabilities in a maritime environment during Exercise Hathi Pol.
Aerospace Defence

3 Nov 2026

QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
TechFirst
QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
By providing work experience opportunities and technology programmes, including cyber security, QinetiQ is supporting the UK Government TechFirst initiative, aimed at delivering practical skills and career support for young people.
MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system
Imagery of the Atlas A400M, seen here operated by crews of LXX & 30 Squadron overseen by an XXIV Squadron instructor, carrying on beach landings over on Pembrey Sands. This was facilitated by Tactical Air Traffic Controllers and Tactical Fire who ensure the beach and activity is completed as intended. Along with conducting touch and go's alongside full stop landings, the aicraft also despatched a pair of RWMIK's driven by 16 Air Assault Brigade as part of an Engine Running Operation or ERO.
MOD seeks industry input on next-generation medical evacuation system
The MOD is looking to modernise the specialist systems used to transport patients with dangerous infectious diseases back to the UK.
Aerospace Defence

2 Nov 2026

RAF Chinooks deploy aboard Queen Elizabeth for maritime training drill
An RAF-operated Chinook HC6A (serial ZH896) lifts off from the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) during Exercise Hathi Pol on 20 October 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Air Force
RAF Chinooks deploy aboard Queen Elizabeth for maritime training drill
RAF Chinooks have embarked aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, testing the UK’s heavy-lift tactical transport capabilities in a maritime environment during Exercise Hathi Pol.
Aerospace Defence

3 Nov 2026

NCSC says AI-powered attack on UK critical infrastructure likely by 2028
Futuristic Hand Reaching for AI Technology Interface Representing Artificial Intelligence and Data Management in a Digital World. Glyphic
NCSC says AI-powered attack on UK critical infrastructure likely by 2028
The NCSC warns the UK could face AI-powered cyber attacks on critical national infrastructure by 2028, prompting fresh warnings over national security and defence.
Defence Security

3 Nov 2026

Royal Navy tracks Russian warships in UK waters as RAF Protector makes operational debut
The Russian Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering vessel, Viktor Leonov (CCB-175), is shadowed by a Royal Navy-operated Merlin HM2 helicopter off the Outer Hebrides on 29 September 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
Royal Navy tracks Russian warships in UK waters as RAF Protector makes operational debut
Royal Navy warships and aircraft recently monitored Russian naval movements around Britain, with support from RAF Protector RG1 drones, which marked the type’s operational debut in UK airspace.
Defence Security

3 Nov 2026

QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
TechFirst
QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
By providing work experience opportunities and technology programmes, including cyber security, QinetiQ is supporting the UK Government TechFirst initiative, aimed at delivering practical skills and career support for young people.
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
headshot for Benny Czarny Opswat CEO
Space cybersecurity starts on the ground: The hidden risks in satellite supply chains
Compromised suppliers, unchecked files and insecure updates can threaten satellites before they reach orbit. OPSWAT founder and CEO Benny Czarny explains why prevention must start on the ground
Insights Security Space

31 Oct 2026

Plextek receives King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation from His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.
Plextek receives King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
HRH The Duke of Gloucester has presented Plextek with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its PLX-T60 sensing platform.
NCSC says AI-powered attack on UK critical infrastructure likely by 2028
Futuristic Hand Reaching for AI Technology Interface Representing Artificial Intelligence and Data Management in a Digital World. Glyphic
NCSC says AI-powered attack on UK critical infrastructure likely by 2028
The NCSC warns the UK could face AI-powered cyber attacks on critical national infrastructure by 2028, prompting fresh warnings over national security and defence.
Defence Security

3 Nov 2026

Royal Navy tracks Russian warships in UK waters as RAF Protector makes operational debut
The Russian Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering vessel, Viktor Leonov (CCB-175), is shadowed by a Royal Navy-operated Merlin HM2 helicopter off the Outer Hebrides on 29 September 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
Royal Navy tracks Russian warships in UK waters as RAF Protector makes operational debut
Royal Navy warships and aircraft recently monitored Russian naval movements around Britain, with support from RAF Protector RG1 drones, which marked the type’s operational debut in UK airspace.
Defence Security

3 Nov 2026

QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
TechFirst
QinetiQ to support Government’s tech talent drive
By providing work experience opportunities and technology programmes, including cyber security, QinetiQ is supporting the UK Government TechFirst initiative, aimed at delivering practical skills and career support for young people.