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HabWorlds - Accessibility & Design Updates

Updated May 21, 2026

We have completed a major update to the HabWorlds course in preparation for summer 2026 courses. These updates include a refreshed user interface, responsive lesson layouts, and ongoing accessibility improvements across simulations and course content.

Because the accessibility compliance timeline was extended, we adjusted our implementation approach to prioritize overall course availability while continuing accessibility development throughout the summer.

At this time:

  • All lessons include the updated course interface and design improvements
  • Many lessons and simulations have been updated to be fully accessible
  • Some lessons and simulations are partially accessible
  • A small number of lessons and simulations are not yet accessible

We will continue updating remaining simulations and lessons over the summer and will update this article as additional accessibility improvements are completed.

Course Availability

The updated HabWorlds course is now available for summer courses.

The course includes:

  • Updated lesson design and navigation
  • Improved responsiveness across devices
  • Accessibility improvements across many simulations and activities
  • Alternate pathways built directly into select lessons

Overview of Updates

Modernized Design & Responsive Layout

All lessons have been updated with a cleaner, more modern interface. Content is now responsive, meaning lessons adapt to different screen sizes and devices.

Students can access lessons on:

  • Desktops and laptops (recommended)
  • Tablets
  • Mobile devices

While mobile and tablet access will be supported, we still recommend that students use a desktop or laptop for the best experience.

Browser recommendation: Chrome is recommended, though Edge, Firefox, and Safari are supported.

Accessibility Improvements

HabWorlds is a simulation-heavy course, and improving accessibility across these experiences remains a major focus of development.

Our current approach includes:

  • Updating existing simulations to improve accessibility
  • Replacing some simulations with newly developed accessible versions
  • Providing alternate learning pathways where needed
  • Continuing accessibility development throughout summer 2026

Many simulations are now fully accessible, while others are partially accessible or still in progress.

Lessons Currently Not Fully Accessible

The following lessons or training simulations are not yet fully accessible:

  • Intro 6: Time
  • Intro 8: Astrobiology
  • R* 2: Brightness – Training (screen reader and keyboard accessible, not fully mobile friendly)
  • fp 1: Transits – Training (screen reader and keyboard accessible, not fully mobile friendly)
  • fp 2: Radial Velocity – Training
  • fp 3: Planet Composition – Training
  • ne 1: Energy Balance – Training
  • ne 2: Water – Training
  • ne 4: Greenhouse Effect – Training
  • ne 5: Inorganic Carbon Cycle – Training (screen reader and keyboard accessible, not fully mobile friendly)
  • fc/L 3: A Matter of Size
  • The Project

Accessibility status for these lessons may vary:

  • Some are partially accessible
  • Some contain simulations that are still being updated
  • Some support screen readers and keyboard navigation, but are not yet fully optimized for mobile devices
  • Some are still undergoing redevelopment

This list will continue to be updated as accessibility improvements are completed.

Alternate Accessible Options 

For students who require fully accessible alternatives for lessons that are still in progress, alternate materials are available upon request.

Depending on the lesson, alternatives may include:

  • Accessible versions of lesson activities
  • Alternate digital assignments
  • Word documents or other accessible formats

These alternatives are designed to support the same learning objectives and maintain equivalent academic rigor.

If an instructor or student requires an accessible alternative, please contact:

support@inspark.education

 

Ongoing Updates

Accessibility updates for HabWorlds are ongoing. As additional lessons and simulations are updated, this article will continue to be revised with:

  • Updated accessibility status information
  • Newly accessible simulations and lessons
  • Additional alternate pathway details
  • Implementation progress and timelines