OCAD University Open Research Repository

Accessible Cosmetic Packaging for Visually Impaired and Blind Users

Gulati, Shivani (2022) Accessible Cosmetic Packaging for Visually Impaired and Blind Users. [MRP]

Item Type: MRP
Creators: Gulati, Shivani
Abstract:

Visually impaired and blind users often find it challenging to identify cosmetic products, and colours and read the label information because of the lack of accessible cosmetic packaging. The goal of this study was to understand the characteristics of and design opportunities for accessible packaging. Four research questions were examined: 1) What features of the packaging design will make it easier to distinguish between various cosmetic products? 2) How may packaging be made to provide Visually impaired/Blind consumers with access to product label information? 3) How do Visually impaired/Blind individuals conceptualize colour and how may this be incorporated into product design/packaging? 4) What application can be developed to aid and enhance the user experience of existing cosmetic packaging? To answer these questions inclusive design framework was adopted, and a co-design methodology was used. Three co-designers took part in the study. Findings were grouped into two themes 1) Characteristics of packaging required to improve user's experience and 2)Characteristics that would minimize the need for users to seek advice from others prior to product selection or use. Findings were used 1) to create an accessible packaging checklist and 2) to design an app that helps visually impaired and blind users identify products, and colours and get expert feedback on how the make-up is applied. The application is named Beauty Ally. The checklist will help brands develop accessible cosmetic packaging for visually impaired and blind consumers. The app will enhance the user experience of visually impaired and blind consumers with existing packaging by helping them identify products, read label information, and colours and seek advice from volunteers.

Date: 10 May 2022
Uncontrolled Keywords: Packaging, cosmetics, accessibility, co-designing
Divisions: Graduate Studies > Inclusive Design
Date Deposited: 12 May 2022 17:40
Last Modified: 12 May 2022 17:44
URI: https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/3698

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