Why Space? The Story Behind the Theme
What does space have to do with accessibility, inclusion, & problem-solving?
Thank you for asking. I’d love to tell you!
It might be easy to assume it comes from a personal fascination with space—but that’s not the whole story.
The space theme on my website reflects the way I think, learn, and process. It’s about perspective, connection, and exploration.
The Overview Effect
The Overview Effect is a profound shift in awareness that astronauts often describe when they see Earth from space. From that vantage point, the planet is revealed as one interconnected system, where every element influences the whole.
I bring a similar lens to problem-solving. My neurodivergent perspective allows me to notice patterns, connections, and systems that others might overlook, and to translate those insights into practical solutions that foster accessibility and inclusion.
The term was first coined by space philosopher Frank White in his 1987 book The Overview Effect. In a 2019 interview on NASA’s Houston We Have a Podcast, he explained the impact of seeing Earth from space. [Listen to the episode here: The Overview Effect (link opens in a new tab).]
Thought Constellations
I have hyperphantasia. It means that I think in vivid images, textures, shapes and analogies. For me, ideas don’t line up neatly—they spark and cluster like constellations. A single question or fact might light up many connections across disciplines, experiences, and stories.
This way of thinking is shaped by my neurodivergence, but also uniquely my own. It’s how I learn, understand, and remember information.
It also allows me to map out solutions that feel intuitive, creative, and often surprising to others—like tracing new constellations in a night sky.
Sonnauta: Sound Sailor
The name of my business, Sonnauta, comes from two Latin words: sonna (sound) and nauta (sailor or explorer). I chose “sound sailor” because of my unique relationship to sound, shaped by both a hearing disorder and auditory-tactile synesthesia.
Not always understanding what I’m hearing has taught me to navigate uncertainty with flexibility—much like astronauts adapt to motion in orbit, shifting conditions, and unclear signals from imperfect instruments.
Sonnauta reflects that way of moving through the world: open to discovery, responsive to change, and guided by curiosity.
Why it Matters
The space theme is more than a design choice. It’s a visual metaphor.
The Overview Effect – A reminder that everything is interconnected. Systems, environments, and people don’t exist in isolation; each influences the others. That perspective guides how I look at challenges and opportunities.
Thought Constellations – Describe how ideas and concepts link in unexpected ways. Learning happens when I connect something new to what I already know, creating a bigger picture—like a constellation—that may not look the same to everyone.
Sonnauta – Embodies the adaptability and curiosity of exploration that, for me, is shaped by my unique relationship to sound. My auditory processing differences have taught me to stay flexible, responsive, and curious.
This way of thinking shapes how I approach accessibility and inclusion. The goal isn’t to control every variable—it’s to design with connection in mind, so more people can participate, contribute, and belong.