The Invisible Terminal

The Invisible Terminal proposes a sensory-centered design framework for blind and low-vision travelers at Logan Airport Terminal B. Airports are designed for visual clarity, but for the 7 million Americans with visual impairments, that clarity becomes disorientation. Through field observation, sensory mapping, and user journey research, five spatial interventions were designed across Terminal B: Entry Threshold, Check-In Zone, TSA Screening, Departure Lounge, and Boarding Gate. Each intervention layers tactile floor guidance, Braille handrails, Bluetooth beacon audio cues, and acoustic contrast, creating an independent, dignified path through the terminal without reliance on sighted assistance.

Why this matters — the case for an inclusive terminal
01 — Why this matters — the case for an inclusive terminal
Experience Lens — sensory pause and a conversation with Chris, blind traveler
02 — Experience Lens — sensory pause and a conversation with Chris, blind traveler
Spatial Conditions — Terminal B layout with congestion and high-noise stressors
03 — Spatial Conditions — Terminal B layout with congestion and high-noise stressors
Sensory Mapping — environmental intensity across the East and West Piers
04 — Sensory Mapping — environmental intensity across the East and West Piers
User Journey Mapping — independent path from entry threshold to boarding gate
05 — User Journey Mapping — independent path from entry threshold to boarding gate
Entry threshold — arrival into Terminal B
06 — Entry threshold — arrival into Terminal B
Check-in zone — tactile guidance to the counter
07 — Check-in zone — tactile guidance to the counter
TSA screening — guided path through security
08 — TSA screening — guided path through security
Boarding gate — beacon audio cues to the jet bridge
09 — Boarding gate — beacon audio cues to the jet bridge
Departure lounge — acoustic and tactile differentiation
10 — Departure lounge — acoustic and tactile differentiation

Thesis Document

Full research documentation including site analysis, sensory mapping, and design interventions.

Read the Thesis