Springpack worked with New College Worcester to Empower Blind and Visually Impaired Users with Inclusive Packaging Design
Accessibility and equality are among the most important issues in society. Accessible packaging is a critical step towards equality. Therefore, a switch to accessible packaging will benefit everybody.
Working alongside New College Worcester, we have created a range of Specially Adapted Packaging that is tailored to the needs of blind and visually impaired end users. The purpose of these products is not just to enhance convenience but also to offer independence to every partially sighted, vision impaired and blind person. By creating packaging that’s easy to identify, open, and use, brands can help ensure that no one is left out.
Beyond functionality, accessible packaging also sends a strong message of inclusivity and care to consumers. It shows that companies and brands are thinking about all their customers, regardless of their abilities, and are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
Overview
Springpack has recently developed a new range of packaging specifically adapted to meet the needs of blind and visually impaired users. This initiative aims to improve accessibility and enhance the user experience, ensuring that visually impaired individuals can interact with packaging more independently and with greater ease.
Purpose
We noticed that there are no alternatives when it comes to packaging for consumers who have visual impairments. This creates uncertainty and damages to the product, as the end user can need to almost destroy the outer packing to reveal what they have been delivered. Both of which, leave the end user with a negative experience from receiving their order.
The primary goal of this study was to assess the usability of the new packaging designs through practical testing with students who are blind or visually impaired from the New College in Worcester. The findings from this study will contribute to the ongoing development of accessible packaging solutions and will be used to inform future improvements.
Common Issues with Traditional Packaging:
- Difficulty in locating opening points on boxes that are taped up
- The requirement to damage packaging to open it
- Lack of tactile indicators
Methodology
Participants
The study involved students from the New College in Worcester, an institution renowned for its dedication to the education and support of blind and visually impaired individuals. Participants included both blind and visually impaired students, providing a diverse range of feedback and insights. All students were asked prior to taking part and given every possibility to withdraw from the testing at any time. Each student was asked if they were happy for photographs and videos to be taken before any of the trials started and all volunteered and where not paid in anyway to take part.
Materials and Product Adaptions
Three different packaging items were tested, each featuring various adaptations designed to aid accessibility. The adaptations included tactile elements, simplified opening mechanisms, and other features intended to enhance the user experience for visually impaired individuals.
Participant Feedback
Overall Satisfaction:
Every participant expressed a preference for the new packaging, stating they would be happier to receive products in the improved packaging compared to the older versions.
Likelihood to Order:
Participants indicated they would be more likely to order from a company if they were confident the packaging would be accessible to them.
Ease of Opening:
Common feedback included that the improved packaging offered a better opening experience. Traditional packageing was often described as inconvenient and required destruction to access the contents, preventing reuse.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that Springpack’s adapted packaging range significantly improves the user experience for blind and visually impaired individuals. Participants expressed a clear preference for the new designs and indicated they would be more likely to purchase from companies using such accessible packaging.
With simple and small changes to existing packaging products, can make huge changes to people who receive them. They are both commercially and logistically viable and more importantly easily copied by other packaging manufacturers.
The feedback obtained from this study provides valuable insights that will guide further improvements, particularly the use of printing with tactile enhancements.
By continuing to innovate and refine our packaging solutions, Springpack aims to lead the industry in accessibility and inclusivity
Sustainability
Springpack’s commitment to sustainability and sustainable packaging is evident in every aspect of our new packaging range. By creating inclusive designs that are accessible, reducing material waste, and incorporating ecofriendly materials, we are taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future.
Our study with the New College in Worcester demonstrates that accessibility and sustainability can go hand in hand, leading to packaging solutions that are better for both people and the planet.
By continuing to innovate and prioritize sustainability, Springpack is dedicated to leading the way in responsible packaging solutions. Our focus remains on creating packaging that meets the needs of all users while minimising our environmental footprint.
More about the project
To learn more about the amazing work of New College Worcester, you can click here to be taken to their website, or to learn more about the project, you can click here to download our in-depth study.
The Full Range
The full range of adapted packaging will be available on out website shortly. In the mean time, why not contact our Enquiries team to book a demo, and discover our accessible range
