Design & Disability

This major exhibition at the V&A celebrated the contributions of disabled, deaf and neurodivergent people to the world of design. Accessibility was embedded from the outset, shaping every aspect of the lighting strategy. Working closely with the museum’s access and curatorial teams, as well as disability advisors, we developed an inclusive lighting scheme that balanced visibility, comfort and conservation.

A key initiative was the introduction of a monthly “Lights Up” mode - a scheduled session where overall light levels were gently raised to support visitors with low vision. This was achieved through a carefully programmed lighting control strategy that increased ambient levels without exposing light-sensitive objects to risk, thanks to short exposure durations and precise zoning.

Throughout the exhibition, lighting was calibrated to reduce glare and visual fatigue while maintaining clear object definition. Interactive media and tactile exhibits were supported with soft, even illumination to aid legibility and accessibility.