Designing products that genuinely help people.

Product design isn’t just about aesthetics or following trends; it’s about improving experiences.

At Plane Talking Products (PTP), we’re committed to developing products that provide the best passenger experience for everyone. That is why our in-house team build inclusivity into their design process when developing new products.

In our recent collaboration with Austrian Airlines, we developed an amenity kit featuring braille integrated directly into the material of the bag, ensuring accessibility for visually impaired passengers. This small but significant feature enhances independence and inclusivity onboard.

Inclusivity in design is not about singling out one specific group but designing well thought through features into products that will help to improve the experience of individuals with specific needs and disabilities, whilst providing the same level of high-quality guest experience for all passengers. The key is thoughtful design, subtly integrated into products that are suitable for all passengers.

Whether products are for individuals with physical disabilities or neurodiverse needs, an inclusive design ethos can make a meaningful difference. In an era where social media often prioritises aesthetics over impact, we believe in going beyond what looks good to create products that truly matter.

Looking ahead, at WTCE, we’ll be showcasing a children’s kit that demonstrates this approach.

Over the past decade, there has been a rise in autism spectrum disorder diagnoses among both children and adults, largely due to increased awareness and improved diagnostic tools. However, as an example, The World Health Organisation estimates that one in a hundred children worldwide have autism, which provides an idea of the percentage of children affected when travelling.

Flying with children can be challenging for many reasons, such as ear pressure discomfort and the length of the flight. However, travelling with a child who has a disability can present additional difficulties. For children with autism, air travel can be particularly overwhelming due to changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, and heightened sensory stimulation, making the experience more stressful for both the child and their family.

We have carefully designed our children’s kit to provide a great experience for all children while being especially considerate of those with autism during their journey. Each item has been meticulously chosen to provide comfort, sensory regulation, and engagement. Soft socks and an eye mask offer gentle, calming sensory input, with soft textures that reduce irritation, support comfort, and aid sensory regulation, making travel less overwhelming. Sensory-friendly activities and toys have also been selected with emotional regulation and focus in mind. Our Tangle toy, for example, provides a satisfying fidgeting experience that encourages fine motor skills, reduces anxiety, and promotes self-regulation.

Beyond sensory benefits, the kit is educational and engaging for all children, featuring an animal theme designed around learning. Our activity pack includes interactive tasks that encourage emotional awareness, such as ‘How Do I Feel Today?’ and ‘Find Your Calm,’ alongside educational activities like ‘Count and Match’ and ‘How Many Animals Do You See?’ This playful, animal-themed approach makes learning fun while helping children develop key cognitive and social skills.

By designing with accessibility in mind, we aim to create products that don’t just exist—they make a real impact. Good design should include everyone.

To find out more, visit us at WTCE on Stand 4C19!