Investing in accessible design
Accessible design helps more people use your products safely, easily and independently. It also supports better consumer experiences, stronger brand trust and smarter product decisions.
Packaging and products that are hard to open, grip, read or understand create barriers for many consumers. It can affect safety, confidence and independence and may stop people from using what they have bought. This is especially true for people living with arthritis, people with disability and our growing ageing population.
Investing in accessible design helps reduce frustration, injury risk and product waste. It can also improve customer satisfaction, support repeat purchase, sustainability and show your organisation is serious about inclusion and innovation.
Why it matters
Accessible design is not a niche issue, it affects many consumers, but the impact is greater for people with reduced strength, dexterity, coordination or vision.
Poor design can lead to pain, frustration, spills, damaged products, delayed use, and reliance on others for help. In some cases, people use knives or scissors to open packaging, which increases the risk of i
Who is affected
- People living with arthritis or other conditions that affect hand function
- People with disability or temporary injury
- Older people experiencing changes in strength, dexterity and vision
- Everyday consumers who want products to be simple and safe to use
Business value
Accessible design improves the post-purchase experience and can influence whether a consumer buys the product again. When packaging is difficult to open or use, consumers may switch to competitor products, avoid repurchase, or form a negative view of the brand.
It also creates opportunities for innovation. Arthritis Australia’s case studies show that accessible design can improve usability, support market growth, and strengthen a product’s value in sectors such as health care, aged care and retail.
Business benefits
- Better user experience across a wider range of consumers, which can lead to brand loyalty.
- Stronger brand reputation and customer trust
- Greater market reach, including ageing and disability markets
- Reduced risk of injury, spills, waste and abandoned products
- Better alignment with inclusive design and sustainability goals
ESG alignment
Accessible design strongly aligns with Environmental, Social and Governance principles. It supports social inclusion by helping more people use products independently and safely, and it reflects a practical commitment to equitable consumer experiences.
It also supports environmental goals. Packaging that is hard to open can lead to wasted food or unused products, which increases avoidable waste and undermines sustainability outcomes.
From a governance perspective, accessibility shows accountability and responsible product design. It demonstrates that consumer needs have been considered in a clear, measurable way.
