MŌYA

MŌYA redefines the boundaries of accessible fitness by integrating sports health, inclusive design, and ecological sustainability into one cohesive product experience. This innovation addresses the often-overlooked needs of visually impaired and blind yoga practitioners, enabling intuitive, independent training through a multi-sensory, tactile-first design.

Named with purpose, MŌYA draws from two cultural roots: in Mandarin, "MŌYA=摸呀” evokes the act of touching—a core element of its tactile interface that empowers blind and visually impaired users to navigate yoga independently and intuitively. In Zulu, it signifies spirit, air, soul, and wind, reflecting the product’s meditative essence and the fluidity of movement it enables.

Crafted from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) blended with 30% recycled coffee grounds, the mat offers a naturally textured surface and a distinctive coffee aroma that transforms routine practice into an immersive, meditative ritual. This not only neutralizes the typical odor of synthetic materials but also fosters a deeper sensory connection.

The upper surface features a trio of tactile guidance systems—spiral paths, wave forms, and dot-matrix Braille indicators—strategically mapped to align with common yoga postures and pressure points, informed by over 270 interviews and pressure distribution analyses from yoga practitioners.

By using the upcycled fishing net fibers, MŌYA enhances grip while reducing ocean-bound plastic waste. A discreetly integrated magnetic strip—embedded along both the upper inner edge and the backside—enables seamless rolling and intuitive self-adhesive storage, eliminating the need for external straps or fasteners.

By harmonizing tactile inclusivity, material innovation, and environmental ethics, MŌYA proposes a new paradigm in adaptive wellness, where sustainability meets empathy through design.