Accessible product design

Accessible design means creating products and packaging that are easy to use for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or health condition.

Everyday tasks like opening a jar, using a kettle, or reading a medication label can become unexpectedly difficult with conditions like Parkinson’s. That’s why accessible product design is so important.

What is accessible product design?

Accessible design means creating products, packaging, and spaces that are easy for everyone to use, regardless of age, ability, or health condition. For people with Parkinson’s, symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and reduced fine motor skills can make it hard to open containers, fasten buttons, or manage their medications. Furthermore, our strength and dexterity will reduce as we age over sixty, making many types of packaging harder to open.

These challenges are not just frustrating; they can affect independence, safety, and quality of life. That’s why accessible product design is so important. Accessible design helps by making these tasks easier, so you can stay independent and confident in your daily life.

What is the Accessible Product Design Alliance?

The Accessible Product Design Alliance (APDA) is a group of not-for-profit health organisations, including Parkinson’s Australia, that advocate for better product and packaging design for people with chronic conditions and disabilities. The Alliance was formed in 2019 and is led by Arthritis Australia.

The APDA works with government, industry, and researchers to push for change in how everyday products are designed. Their goal is to make sure that packaging and products are not just technically functional, but also usable by people with reduced strength, dexterity, vision, or coordination, all common symptoms in Parkinson’s.

Real-world impact: The “Unboxing Accessibility” Campaign

To raise awareness, the APDA launched the Unboxing Accessibility campaign, which features real stories from people living with conditions like young onset Parkinson’s. These stories highlight the daily struggles people face when trying to open packaging that’s too stiff, too sharp, or too complex.

Participants shared how accessible packaging, like easy-grip lids, tear tabs, or larger print, can restore independence and reduce the risk of injury. These changes don’t just help people with Parkinson’s, they benefit everyone.

Common product challenges for people with Parkinson’s

According to the APDA’s position statement, people with Parkinson’s often struggle with:

Heavy or awkward items like kettles, pots, and vacuum cleaners
Hard-to-open packaging such as medication bottles, food containers, and cleaning products
Small or unclear labels that are difficult to read due to tremors or vision changes
Complex controls on appliances or electronics that require fine motor skills.

These issues can lead to physical pain, frustration, and even injury. In some cases, people may avoid using certain products altogether, which can affect nutrition, hygiene, and wellbeing.

What needs to change?

The APDA is calling for:

Inclusive design standards to be adopted across industries
Consumer testing that includes people with chronic conditions
Clear labelling and instructions that are easy to read and understand
Training for designers and manufacturers on accessible design principles

Accessible design isn’t just a “nice to have” it’s a necessity. And with Australia’s ageing population and rising rates of chronic illness, the need for inclusive products is only growing.

We encourage industry leaders, designers, and everyday consumers to support accessible design and to listen to the voices of people living with Parkinson’s and other chronic conditions.

To learn more or get involved, visit the Accessible Product Design Alliance and watch the Unboxing Accessibility series on YouTube.

Key Statistics

Accessible packaging not only benefits individuals with Parkinson’s but also reduces the need for caregiver assistance, promoting autonomy and dignity in daily tasks like preparing meals or taking medication.
Parkinson’s can affect both vision and cognitive processing. Packaging that uses large fonts, high-contrast colours, and minimal clutter helps users more easily identify products and instructions.
A study on packaging usability found that people with Parkinson’s prefer rigid containers that don’t collapse when handled, and wide openings that allow for easier access without requiring precise hand movements.
Research shows that individuals with Parkinson’s often struggle with fine motor control, making it difficult to open tightly sealed or slippery packages. Packaging with textured surfaces, larger tabs, and easy-peel seals can reduce frustration and increase independence.

Accessible product design (pdf)
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Infosheet kindly reviewed by the Accessible Design Division

Arthritis Australia’s Accessible Design Division is dedicated to educating and providing decision-making resources to both industry and government at the design and procurement level, ensuring that the needs and capabilities of the broader community are recognised and understood. The Division offers several testing services to meet client’s needs along the design process as well as Ease of Use Certification for products and Easy to Open Certification for packaging.

References

Iacono, E., Pistolesi, M., & Tosi, F. (2024). Design beyond Disability: Emotional Scenarios for the Well-being of People with Parkinson’s Disease. The International Journal of Design in Society, 18(2), 119.

Persson, H., Åhman, H., Yngling, A.A. et al. Universal design, inclusive design, accessible design, design for all: different concepts—one goal? On the concept of accessibility—historical, methodological and philosophical aspects. Univ Access Inf Soc 14, 505–526 (2015).

Tosi, F. (2022). 3. Human-Centred Design-Inclusive Design: design for People with Parkinson’s disease. Ergonomics&Design, 39.