Inclusivity in design is meant to ensure accessibility for as many people as possible. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability, or any other demographic, designing for all inevitably means greater benefit for the majority. From a business standpoint, you can appeal to a broader audience and convey the message that you care about your consumers.
So what are some key principles to incorporate into your packaging design?
The messaging on your packaging should be clear and easy to understand. Ensure that you avoid unnecessary complexities to ensure broad understanding regardless of one’s experience, knowledge, or skills. An example of this may be avoiding the use of overly academic jargon, and ensuring that information is simple and straightforward.
Increasing legibility can ensure that folks managing with visual impairments can easily identify what your product is. Along with creating a hierarchy of information, using high contrast colours can increase legibility.
Packaging which can be used comfortably and efficiently, to not require any strenuous effort. This ensures that consumers of varying ability are able to access your product.
There are some symbols which are universal, commanding the understanding of folks regardless of their language comprehension. Symbols can also appeal to folks with visual impairments if they are slightly raised or embossed.
While it is incredibly tempting to jump on a hot new trend, consider your audience reach. Will these colour be off-putting to some? Do the graphics only appeal to a few? If you’ve answered yes, then you may want to reconsider your approach. While there are new trends emerging constantly, it is often easy to borrow themes that have a more universal appeal and incorporate these ideas into your overall design.
Kirsten Crisostomo is a freelance copy and content writer based in Vancouver, BC.
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