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Innovations to improve Packaging Accessibility for all Consumers

Accessibility in digital technology is a key concern currently in the design of websites and apps. In a recent article on the TwoSides website, the author, Sam Upton, discusses ways that brands are reconsidering their packaging to make it more accessible for disabled users. Below is a summary of this post with some additional Dollard Packaging advice about carton and sleeve structure design.

Four Packaging Innovations for Accessibility

Cartons Designed for the Visually Impaired – Kellogg’s

Kellogg’s has added a scannable code to some of their cereal cartons to make them more accessible to the visually impaired. This “Navilens” code allows smartphone users to locate their cereal boxes more easily – from as far away as 3 meters. The technology also allows the user to receive spoken information about the products’ ingredients and any allergy warnings.

Easy Open Xbox Controller Packaging – Microsoft

Microsoft have made the box for their Xbox Adaptive Controller simpler to open so that it can be opened with one hand. “The packaging has no plastic wrapping or twist ties, and features a number of mechanisms such as loops that can be pulled with one hand causing it to pop open, hinges and a slide-out controller tray”, states the article.

Inclusive Deodorant – Degree Deodorant

Degree Deodorant have launched ‘Degree Inclusive’, a new deodorant that features packaging specifically designed for people with an upper limb disability. It has a hook to make the deodorant stick easier to pull down and the packaging also includes features such as magnetic closure, improved grips, and a large applicator so the deodorant can be put on in just one move.

Packaging with Autism Friendly Treats – Kellogg’s

Kellogg’s have added a sticker to their Rice Krispie bars, designed to help autistic children who may respond positively to tactile stimuli and it is thought this packaging may be helpful when the child is in a situation and needs some reassurance, such as a new school, etc. The sticker is created from different textured materials, such as fake fur, velour, fleece, and satin. Parents/guardians can write a note on the stickers also.

Dollard Packaging Advice

Decide on Carton Structure before commencing the Graphic Design

If you are considering a new packaging project, it is very important that you decide on and thoroughly test the carton structure first, before you begin consulting graphic designers about the artwork creation and design. (This applies whether or not you are trying to make your carton structure accessible for disabled users or not.)

This may seem counterintuitive, however, the most important initial issue regarding packaging is the structure of the carton or sleeve, not the artwork creation. We can provide your graphic designer with a sample-tested key line (a keyline is a detailed outline of the structure of your proposed packaging which they can use to create the artwork in the correct format for printing)

If your graphic designer creates artwork without following a keyline, this can cause errors in the artwork which will need to be corrected and will cause delays and unnecessary expense. You can read more about Dollard Packaging’s Guidelines for the Creation of Artwork for Cartons here.

Carton Structure for Accessibility

At the start of the packaging project, discuss with us and your graphic designer how you visualise your carton’s accessibility features so that we can explore with a variety of opening and closing mechanisms, board types, etc to facilitate this. As always, you need to test your proposed carton structure in every stage of the carton’s lifecycle so that your carton is fit for purpose from being filled to when it is being recycled/disposed of.

Please contact us on 01 847 0044 or sales@dollard-packaging.ie if you would like help with a packaging project.

You can read the original article here.

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