Accessible Packaging
Optimising product packaging so that it is better tailored to the needs of people with cognitive or motor impairments: HNU students have tackled this task together with practice partner Nivea as part of the "Accessible packaging" UX project. Here, the participants provide insights into the innovative solutions for accessible product design that they have developed in close collaboration with those affected.
Nominated for the Bavarian-Swabian Innovation Award Transfer 2024 of the Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences
Our transfer project aims to develop a deep understanding and empathy for people with motor or cognitive impairments. By working closely with the target group, we can design more inclusive care products and make them more accessible for people with disabilities with the help of modifications and/or accessories.
Das HNU-Team hinter Accessible Packaging
The cooperation partner
Practice partner Nivea provided 12 different care products such as shower gels, creams and deodorants, which were analysed in the first step using tools to simulate restrictions. Interviews with those affected helped to develop an understanding and empathy for the specific needs and challenges of users. Based on these findings, the team developed prototypes that were iteratively tested and improved. This ultimately resulted in effective solutions that can significantly improve the user experience for people with disabilities. Jenny Behnk, Design Manager at Nivea, is supporting the project.
Our ambition is to include everybody and be a pioneer for accessible packaging by showing the world/industry a mind-blowing futuristic vision. The knowledge of students and Prof Franzreb were amazing and the outcome more than professional. We really enjoyed the cooperation and want to continue this partnership.
Interview with Prof Patricia Franzreb
[1] How would you describe your project in three key words?
Inclusive, empathetic, sustainable
[2] What is special about your project?
In addition to developing solutions for people with disabilities, the project has also helped those involved to develop empathy for one another. By working together and exchanging ideas with the target group, initial fears of contact were overcome. Instead, mutual interest, understanding and joy arose during the exchange. These interpersonal aspects are crucial to the success of the project and show how inclusive innovation can not only improve the products themselves, but also lead to a positive change in the relationships between those involved.
[3] What does transfer mean to you?
For me, transfer means that knowledge, experience and innovations from the research and teaching context are transferred into practice and vice versa. In this case, the knowledge and empathy developed as part of the "Accessible packaging" project for people with motor or cognitive impairments are transferred to the design of care products. This transfer enables the products to be designed more inclusively and made more accessible. Transfer thus enables the development of user-centred solutions and ideas in new contexts in order to bring about positive change.
[4] What do you take away from the project - professionally, but also personally?
Transfer projects are a great enrichment for everyone involved, teachers, students and the public.
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