When creating product packaging, it’s more than just a pretty design and eye-catching graphics. You also need to consider how it affects your customers’ user experience, including those with disabilities. Accessibility in packaging allows businesses to comply with regulations, cater to a wider audience, and boost their revenue.
We’ll explore accessibility ideas in packaging and how you can implement them in your e-commerce business.
Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable packaging not only helps the environment but also ensures that the packaging is less of a nuisance to customers, especially those with disabilities.
Sustainable packaging is less noisy, less wasteful, and easier to handle. It also benefits the business by appealing to eco-conscious customers and reducing packaging costs in the long run.
Related post: The Future of Sustainable Packaging
Sensory Packaging
Sensory packaging refers to packaging that uses sensory cues to assist users with disabilities.
For example, raised or embossed graphics may help visually impaired customers identify the product quickly. Textured packaging or different textures on labels can also help customers with sensory processing disorders, such as autism, to differentiate between products.
Adding Visual Aides
One fundamental aspect of accessible packaging design is the use of legible typefaces. While elaborate fonts may look nice, they can often be difficult to read, particularly for individuals with visual impairments or dyslexia.
Sans-serif fonts, such as Arial or Helvetica, are generally easier to read, especially when used in larger sizes and with ample spacing between letters.
Color plays a significant role in packaging design, but it’s essential to consider the visibility and contrast of colors for individuals with color vision deficiencies. High-contrast color combinations, such as black text on a white background or vice versa, are easier to discern for individuals with impaired color vision.
Widely-Known Symbols
Inclusive symbols are another essential aspect of accessible packaging design. Symbols can provide valuable information to individuals with difficulty reading text, such as those with vision impairments or cognitive disabilities.
In addition to traditional symbols, such as recycling icons or product certifications, we also incorporate tactile symbols, including Braille, to enhance accessibility further.
Braille Labeling
Braille labeling is a must-have accessibility feature for packaging. Braille is a tactile writing system used by the visually impaired, and it’s commonly used in product labeling to provide information about ingredients, dosage, expiration date, and more.
Braille labeling should comply with specific guidelines, such as the size, spacing, and placement of the braille on the package. Note that braille is a universal language and can benefit customers worldwide.
Easy-to-Open Packaging
Accessibility in packaging should also consider the customers’ physical abilities. Easy-to-open packaging or accessible opening mechanisms can benefit customers with mobility issues, arthritis, or hand injuries.
Packaging that requires excessive force or intricate movements can be frustrating and even dangerous for some users. So, make sure your packaging has pull tabs, tear-strip, or other accessible opening methods that don’t compromise the packaging’s integrity.
Functional Packaging
Finally, functional packaging is a trend that’s gaining popularity for its multi-purpose design. Functional packaging serves a specific purpose beyond just holding the product.
Related Post: 5 Reasons You Should Consider Custom Packaging
For example, packaging that converts to a storage container, a serving dish, or a reusable bag can benefit customers who value convenience, sustainability, and minimalism. Functional packaging is also an excellent opportunity for branding and enhancing customer loyalty.
Accessibility in Packaging With Complete Packaging Solutions
Accessibility in packaging is a strategic business choice that can help you reach a wider audience and provide a better customer experience. We can help you create packaging that improves the user experience for your customers, particularly those with disabilities. Contact our team today or call (765) 547-1300 to learn more about your packing options.
