Lightning Talk: Make It Make Sense: Exploring Accessibility with Intention (How to approach design with purpose, curiosity, and all senses)

Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. ET
FREE for members, $15 for non-members

Small design choices can open big possibilities for more people to connect and participate. This lightning talk explores how thoughtful, hands-on experimentation can reveal practical ways to make environments and interactions more intuitive and engaging. Through real examples of sensory design and material testing, Hagen Tilp shares how intentional making can uncover barriers and lead to creative, human-centered solutions. Participants will leave with practical insight into how the language we use to describe, frame, and question design can open access for all.

Register here!

About the Speaker
Hagen Tilp is the Senior Exhibit Prototyper at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where he designs and builds multisensory experiences that connect visitors with the ocean and its stories. With over two decades of creative and technical experience, he leads cross-divisional efforts that bridge design, fabrication, and visitor experience - from developing interactive water exhibits and large-scale sculptures to advancing accessibility and inclusive design strategies across departments. His recent work includes innovative design and prototyping for new exhibits and contributing to the Aquarium’s accessibility strategy group. Before joining the Aquarium, Hagen founded tilpmade – art engineering in Berlin, where he led scenic and mechanical design for major European theater productions. He brings a lifelong passion for storytelling through craft — using design as a language that invites connection, curiosity, and understanding.

Lightning Talks are concise virtual presentations by experts (10 minutes or less) followed by a short live Q&A session. A benefit of Access/VSA Network membership, these webinars are FREE to all current members and $15 for the public. Come see how much you can learn in just a half-hour!

Closed captioning and ASL interpretation are both available for all webinars. For the most accessible viewing experience, we recommend watching the webinar on a desktop computer or laptop screen. For more information or to request other access services, please contact the Office of Accessibility and VSA at (202) 416-8727 (voice) or [email protected].