DESIGNING INCLUSIVE

PACKAGING

ISHITA TRIPATHI
 WHY
PACKAGING ?
Inclusive packaging design can help to
make packaging more accessible to
everyone, regardless of their abilities. To
improve the user experience for all
consumers. Even people without
disabilities
 PROBLEMS WITH EXISTING
PACKAGING DESIGN
01. DIFFICULT TO OPEN
Packaging can be challenging for individuals
with disabilities, such as visual, mobility,
dexterity, and cognitive impairments, as they
may struggle to see, identify, reach, grasp, or
follow instructions.
02. RIGHT - HANDED & OLDER PEOPLE
Packaging is often designed for right-handed
people. This can make it difficult for left-
handed people to open and use the packaging.
Older adults may have difficulty opening
packaging due to reduced strength and
dexterity.
03. INADEQUATE GRIPS
Packaging with smooth surfaces and no
ergonomic grips can be difficult for
individuals with limited hand strength to
handle.
05. NON-TACTILE LABELS
Packaging labels often lack tactile
04. DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE WITH features, making it challenging for people
IMPAIRMENTS with visual impairments to identify
products.
Packaging can be challenging for individuals
with visual, mobility, dexterity, and 06. INACCESSIBLE INFORMATION
cognitive impairments. Visual impairments
Small fonts, low color contrast, and
may struggle with small fonts, tactile cues,
complex language can make information on
or complex instructions. Mobility
food packaging difficult to read for
impairments may struggle with tight lids or
individuals with visual impairments.
easy-grip handles.
07. LACK OF MULTISENSORY DESIGN
Dexterity impairments may struggle with
small tear tabs or zipper closures. Cognitive Packaging often relies heavily on visual
impairments may struggle with complex information, neglecting other sensory cues
instructions, lack of visual cues, or unfamiliar such as touch, sound, or smell, which are
symbols. essential for people with different abilities.
DIFFICULT” PACKAGING IDENTIFIED BY
OLDER ADULTS

CORK JAR FIDDLY DRINK CANS BOTTLE WITH CLAMSELL

RING UP

SHRINK ALUMINIUM THIN FILM

CROWN CAP SEAL THREAD
WRAPPED PLASTIC CLOSURE PACK
https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/c
wcontent.cgi?article=1330&context=
conference-papers
TYPES OF GRIP IN PACKAGING
 EQUITABLE USE

CURRENT STATE:
Packaging is often not equitable for people with disabilities, such as those
who have difficulty opening packages or reading labels.

IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Use easy-to-open packaging, such as resealable pouches or twist-top lids.

Use large, clear print for labels and instructions.
Provide Braille or tactile labels for people who are blind or have low
vision.

https://www.bakeryandsnacks.com/Article/201
8/08/23/Parkside-laser-for-easy-to-open-
packaging-makes-life-easier-for-the-consumer
 FLEXIBLE USE

CURRENT STATE:
Packaging is often not flexible enough to accommodate different
needs and preferences, such as those of people with different hand
sizes or strengths.

IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Use a variety of packaging types, such as pouches, bottles, and
jars, to accommodate different needs.
Provide instructions for multiple ways to open and use
packaging.
Use packaging that is easy to reseal and store.

https://www.packagingdigest.com/packaging-
education-and-training/5-types-packaging-
materials-and-their-best-uses
 SIMPLE AND INTUITIVE USE
CURRENT STATE:
Packaging is often not simple and intuitive to use,
especially for people who are not familiar with the
product or who have difficulty reading or understanding
instructions.

IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Use clear and concise labels and instructions.
Use pictograms and icons to supplement text.
Provide instructions in multiple languages.

https://www.pfwlabels.com/applications/food-
packaging-labels/
 PERCEPTIBLE INFORMATION
CURRENT STATE:
Packaging is often not perceptible enough for people with sensory
impairments, such as those who are blind or have low vision.

IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Use high-contrast colors and large, clear print.
Use tactile elements, such as raised lettering or Braille, to
provide information for people who are blind or have low
vision.
Use audible cues, such as beeps or chirps, to provide
information for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Orange-
Sticker-Labels-
establishments/dp/B0C4LV8397
 TOLERANCE FOR ERROR

CURRENT STATE:
Packaging is often not tolerant of error, which can lead to
frustration and confusion, especially for people who are not
familiar with the product or who have difficulty reading or
understanding instructions.

IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Use packaging that is easy to open and reclose.
Provide clear and concise instructions for how to use the
product.
Use packaging that is easy to store and dispose of.

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Richolyn-
Aluminium-Pieces-Silver-
Packaging/dp/B0B7KPCV1D
LOW PHYSICAL EFFORT

CURRENT STATE:
Food packaging is often not designed with low physical effort in
mind, which can be difficult for people with limited mobility or
strength.

IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Use safegaurding packaging to avoid item spillage or
hurting of user.
Use packaging that is lightweight and easy to carry.
Use packaging that is easy to store and dispose of.
SIZE AND SPACE APPROPRIATENESS

CURRENT STATE:
Food packaging is often not sized or spaced appropriately, which
can be difficult for people with limited dexterity or mobility.

IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

Use packaging that is easy to grip and hold.
Use packaging that is not too large or too small.
Use the space on packaging appropriately and judiciously