Accessible Packaging

Over the past year, accessible packaging has gained significant traction, with food, FMCG, and pharmaceutical brands focusing on how to enhance their product designs for improved accessibility.

People with physical disabilities often seek products that empower them to perform tasks independently.

In response, brands are revamping their packaging to be more inclusive, recognising the necessity of accommodating diverse needs.

By creating accessible packaging solutions, these brands can expand their consumer base, demonstrate a deeper understanding of their customers’ requirements, and foster a more inclusive market. This not only strengthens their brand but also drives revenue.

Here are a few notable examples:

One-Handed Burger Packaging

McDonald’s locations in southern and western India now offer accessible burger packaging designed for customers with limb-related disabilities. Traditional burger packaging typically requires two hands to open, which poses challenges for over 21 million people in India who live with disabilities, many of whom experience movement-related difficulties.

Pallavi Chakravarti, creative head of ad agency DDB Mudra West, emphasises the significance of this initiative: “While the idea of a pack that enables people with limited upper limb mobility to enjoy their burgers with dignity is not life-changing, it’s an important one. This small step improves an experience that many of us take for granted. It’s the little things that go a long way in levelling the playing field for everyone.”

Accessible Pharmaceutical Packaging

Pharmaceutical packaging is often challenging to open due to safety regulations and poor design, making it nearly impossible for individuals with disabilities. Fortunately, some companies are developing adaptive solutions that can be opened with one hand.

One such innovation is SnapSlide, an adaptive packaging solution featuring a sliding two-step opening mechanism. This design requires less force and dexterity than traditional push-and-turn caps and uses 27% less plastic than standard child-resistant packaging.

Rocky Batzel, inventor and CEO of SnapSlide, states, “The SnapSlide prescription vial caps have the potential to be better for all and life-changing for many. For consumers with physical limitations, the cap provides convenience, accessibility, safety, and independence.”

Easy-Open PlayStation Packaging

The gaming industry has traditionally posed challenges for those with movement-related disabilities.

However, PlayStation has taken strides to enhance accessibility with its ‘Access’ controller, a highly customisable PlayStation 5 controller kit.

Alongside the controller, the packaging has been designed for one-handed opening. The box features loops on both sides, allowing users to easily slide the controller out. Inside, additional loops and a single layer of slots hold the kit components, including 19 interchangeable button caps and three stick caps for straightforward identification and access.

By Sam Upton, Two Sides