In Plain Sight

Exploring the different ways we see and are seen by others, In Plain Sight was a major exhibition at Wellcome Collection which questioned the central place that sight holds in human society through the different experiences of sighted, partially sighted, and blind people. Collaborating with Sara De Bondt on the 2D design – exhibition identity, interpretation graphics, wayfinding and printed guides – we worked with partially sighted, blind and neurodivergent focus groups, accessibility experts and architects OMMX to design an exhibition which is as inclusive as it is engaging to visitors all across the visual spectrum. Fundamental to our approach throughout the design process was to create a visual language that seeks to reenforce the notion that there is more to ‘seeing’ than vision alone – to encourage visitors to engage through sight, sound and touch – while also exploring new ways of designing an exhibition that is more accessible and navigable for those who are sensorily impaired. The outcome is a design system rooted in highly legible typography, colour and contrast; a multi-sensory navigation system which includes a tactile path guiding visitors through a 28-stop audio descriptive and braille tour; and a set of printed interpretation, including gallery guide, braille guide and large print guide.