The Design Age Institute launches Government petition proposing inclusive design for packaging
The Design Age Institute and University of the Third Age has officially launched a UK Government petition proposing an inclusive design standard for packaging, with the aim of triggering a debate in Parliament on the issue of poorly designed packaging.
The online petition was inspired by the findings of a recent report revealing the most frustrating everyday household objects as we age.
Working in collaboration with the University of the Third Age (u3a), a collection of 1,000 UK charities, the Design Age Institute surveyed over 2,000 people aged between 55 and 104, and has brought together the findings to create its report; ‘Designing the everyday for a less frustrating later life’.
The biggest stress factors identified in homes were packaging-related, with over 60 per cent of all respondents choosing packaging as their main frustration. Almost 50 per cent identified food packaging as a real frustration, while medical packaging was found to cause irritation and stress by 12.5 per cent of those surveyed.
In terms of packaging, all types of food packaging came under criticism — ring pulls, glass jars, clingfilm, peel-back labels, and resealable packaging. To coincide with the report’s release, the Design Age Institute and u3a has launched an online petition proposing an inclusive design standard for packaging, with the aim of gathering 100,000 signatures and triggering a debate in parliament on the issue of poorly designed packaging.
Other everyday household items which were identified as causing significant frustration and annoyance include duvet covers 13.3%, TV remotes 5%, high cupboards 5% and keys and locks 3.5 per cent. Electric plugs are often too low down and difficult to remove, while vacuum cleaners are too heavy. Small keys on computers and mobile phones are also a problem, with respondents finding it difficult to type without making typing errors.
Colum Lowe, Director, Design Age Institute, said: “Poor design of everyday objects is not only frustrating but can result in avoidable physical and psychological harm, and discrimination. Through the Royal College of Art’s research centre, the Design Age Institute, we’ve identified packaging of mainstream products as an issue raised by people with limited physical strength and dexterity, whether age-related or not, for several decades.
“The good news is that there is a solution – and at the heart of the solution is to consult with older people to create more inclusive designs which are not only better for all people, but better for business. The time to take action is now.”
U3a’s Sam Mauger, CEO of the Third Age Trust, said: “The results of the report will not come as a shock to the many members of u3a who have struggled for years with everyday household objects in packaging that seems only to make their lives more difficult.
“Something as simple as trying to open a carton of orange juice can cause enormous frustration. But it does not need to be the case. This is an opportunity for businesses to sit up and take notice, and ensure future designs are inclusive and fit for purpose.”
Patricia Moore, President, MooreDesign Associates and world-renowned inclusive design pioneer, commented: “Throughout each and every day of our lives, we are confronted by packaging for our food, our hygiene, our health management, and maintenance of our homes. Inability to properly manage those packages puts at risk our ability to live independently, eat nutritiously, maintain wellness, and sustain our abodes. Inclusive, holistic design is the critical key for life’s quality.”
Based on this report, and with a view to paving the way for change, a four point action plan has been developed by the organisations. This includes a plan to carry out more research with design institutions and businesses to look at the impact of poorly designed packaging on the health and wellbeing of people as they age.
It will also look at identifying tools and devices which are currently available to help open packaging more easily and safely and will set up an online resource to support people.
A plan is underway to work with industry to help them to design better products and services that will not only assist older people but people of all ages, which is good for business and also for challenging ageist stereotypes. The ambition is to create an accreditation for businesses which they can include on their packaging to show that it is easy to use.
The organisation hope to gather at least 100,000 signatures for the petition to trigger a debate in parliament on the issue of poorly designed packaging will be created, and will propose the enforcement of a minimum inclusive design standard for packaging.
