Co-Lab: Creating Accessible Astronomy
In celebration of Global Astronomy Month, the DOST-PAGASA’s Space Sciences and Astronomy Section conducted a design workshop on April 29, 2026, at the PAGASA Planetarium, Quezon City.
The workshop brought together senior high school students to explore how astronomy can be made more inclusive for individuals with different abilities. Through an interactive systems-thinking and design-thinking approach, participants examined barriers in traditional astronomy experiences and proposed innovative, user-centered solutions.
Participants were divided into four teams:
• Team Sixth Sense proposed a tactile astronomy experience using 3D models, braille labels, and audio descriptions, introducing sonification to support individuals with visual disabilities.
• Team Continentalz designed an inclusive planetarium experience featuring real-time subtitles and sign language interpretation for individuals with hearing disabilities.
• Team Stargazers introduced scholarship opportunities to support individuals with disabilities in pursuing astronomy education and careers.
• Team Boba presented a concept for a dyslexia-friendly astronomy app with simplified interfaces, readable fonts, and audio support.
The workshop emphasized creativity, collaboration, and empathy while encouraging students to rethink how astronomy is communicated and experienced. It highlighted the importance of inclusive design in making science accessible to a broader and more diverse audience.
As part of Global Astronomy Month, the activity reinforced the message that astronomy should be accessible to everyone, inspiring participants to contribute to a more inclusive future for science.
