The Future of Wayfinding and Accessibility in Design with Aaron McIntosh (‘25 Product Design)
05.21.2025
As a graduating senior at the Kansas City Art Institute, Aaron McIntosh is using his design skills to create innovative solutions that improve accessibility in public spaces, ensuring a more inclusive experience for all.
McIntosh recently joined The Whole Person podcast to share his mission. Click here to visit the full interview
Aaron McIntosh (‘25 Product Design) recalls some of his earliest exposure to design at the age of 13, when he attended a summer program in South Kansas City called Boys Grow. This experience led to his first design project: creating the label for a Tzatziki salad dressing for the program.
"It’s still in stores today," McIntosh shared. "The label that 13-year-old me designed is still the one on those bottles." He added, "That was the first time I really got to design something."
McIntosh is now a graduating senior in Product Design at KCAI, where he is working to merge creativity with accessibility in groundbreaking ways. His passion for design, particularly focusing on tactile elements and wayfinding, has led him to become a rising figure in reimagining how public spaces can be navigated and experienced by those with vision impairments.
Aaron McIntosh recently joined The Whole Person podcast to share his mission to make design more accessible and inclusive through innovative, multisensory wayfinding systems: Click here to visit the full interview
The North Star Initiative: Bridging the Gap in Accessible Wayfinding
One of McIntosh’s most significant contributions during his time at KCAI is the North Star Initiative—an idea that stemmed from his interest in multisensory wayfinding. Wayfinding—simply put—is how people navigate through spaces. His inspiration came after reading Mismatch by Kat Holmes, a book that explores the power of design and how it often overlooks the needs of people with disabilities. McIntosh was struck by a lack of thoughtfulness and empathy within the accessible features in many public spaces, which can make it difficult for all people, especially those with disabilities to move freely and confidently.
“The book made me realize that there’s a huge gap in accessibility design. There’s a lack of consideration for how people who can’t rely on sight experience the world,” McIntosh explains. “I wanted to create something that would help bridge that gap.”
The North Star Initiative focuses on helping people navigate spaces using touch. It includes features like textured paths and directional benches that guide users through an area. Aaron McIntosh aims to reduce the effort it takes for people—especially those with vision impairments—to move around independently, creating public spaces that are more inclusive, intuitive, and accessible for everyone.
One of the standout examples from the project is a special bench with textured patterns that help people understand which direction they’re facing. McIntosh got the idea while thinking about how to make Kansas City’s South Loop Park easier to explore—he envisioned benches with built-in textures to help people find their way by touch, especially those who are blind or have low vision.
The bench prototype is fully functional, featuring a wooden seat made using advanced CNC machining and a sturdy metal frame created by a local craftsman. While currently a prototype, the design is intended for use in permanent outdoor settings, with plans to upgrade to more durable materials, such as carved stone or cast cement, for long-lasting use.
However, the tactile bench is just one part of a larger vision to reimagine public spaces as inclusive environments. “We tend to forget that people with vision impairments often rely on their other senses, like touch, to navigate the world,” the designer says. “In fact, we can reduce visual fatigue by designing spaces that cater to other sensory experiences, which can be both empowering and less exhausting for those with limited vision.”
A Launchpad for McIntosh's Vision of Inclusive Design
KCAI, located in the heart of Kansas City, has a rich history of fostering artistic innovation since its founding in 1885. Known for its interdisciplinary approach to design education, KCAI offers a range of programs that span from fine arts and graphic design to product and industrial design. The institute emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students like McIntosh to explore creative solutions for real-world problems.
But without the benefit of foresight, McIntosh wasn’t always sure where his path would lead. It wasn’t until later that he found a mentor who would change the course of his career. Corey Antis, an associate professor in KCAI’s Painting Department, became a crucial figure in McIntosh’s academic journey.
“Corey was a huge influence on me,” McIntosh reflects. “He made me see that design isn’t just about making something functional or aesthetically pleasing. It’s about telling a story and making a meaningful impact.”
With Antis’ guidance and encouragement, McIntosh chose to attend KCAI, where he would continue to develop his design skills and deepen his commitment to using design as a force for good.
"Accessibility isn't just a requirement...it's an opportunity."
As a graduating senior, McIntosh is also making a direct impact at the Kansas City Art Institute. In KCAI's Irving Design Building and beyond, the school plans to integrate his wayfinding redesigns, which include innovative tactile elements such as textured totems and signage.
One of the most exciting features of the planned system is the use of textured spheres built into the signage. These spheres will change size as people get closer to a door or room, offering a tactile way to help them find their way. As someone nears a door, the sphere will gradually shrink, signaling they're approaching an entry point.
The new signage system also features unique textures for each department, with different tactile patterns representing areas like graphic design and product design. McIntosh believes that this level of tactile engagement will not only aid those with vision impairments but also enhance the overall experience for all individuals navigating the space.
Image: McIntosh with Chris Chapin, Professor and Chair of Product Design
His work is rooted in the belief that thoughtful design can make the world more inclusive, not just for people who are blind or visually impaired, but for everyone. By making these spaces more intuitive and accessible, McIntosh hopes to create a campus where individuals of all abilities can navigate with ease and confidence, ensuring that the environment is welcoming for everyone—from those with permanent impairments to those with temporary challenges or mobility limitations.
“Accessibility isn’t just a requirement—it’s an opportunity to make the world more inclusive, more thoughtful, and more connected for everyone,” he said.
Stay tuned—Part 2 of Aaron McIntosh’s interview is planned to be shared by The Whole Person podcast, and KCAI looks forward to sharing it once it’s live.