This Masters Research Project addresses the main research question, of how can the Museum of Natural History and Environmental Culture in Mexico City become a more inclusive space for Mexican visitors, with a vision impairment, through its interactions and learning experiences. This research uses a Mixed Methods approach—combining design research techniques: In-Depth Ethnographic Interview, Shadowing, Contextual Interview, Observation, Co-Design, and User Test—all leading to a Design Proposal for the multisensory translation of one of the exhibits at the museum, a replicable Model to create future inclusive exhibits and a Strategic Roadmap of actions for the museum to become more inclusive. The Design Proposal for the multisensory translation was prototyped and then tested at the museum to evaluate its impact with the diverse visitors that enter the museum on a regular weekend as well as with visitors with a vision disability to ensure the final solution did offer inclusive interactions for all.

The purpose of the research is to contribute to the current state of Mexican museums as educational entities, where nowadays, regardless of them being private or public, little evaluation is done around the effectiveness of their educational interactions, and where there are none or little efforts done to become inclusive spaces that all kinds of visitors can benefit from. As a researcher, I intend to help this particular museum understand where it stands in terms of inclusion, and propose supports that contribute to the museum experiences for individuals with a vision aid, in a way there is benefit at a larger scope. I am motivated by this project because of my personal passion for museums, my concern for the low levels of education in Mexico, and my belief in these spaces as potential mediums for transforming the education experience.