Can2go

Special-needs Packaging Concept | Accessible Canned Food Line | 2023

OVERVIEW

This project was one of the assignment from the Packaging Design course at OCAD.

The project focuses on redesigning canned food packaging to cater to the needs of elderly individuals with weak arm strength. It aims to create accessible, legible, and safe packaging that integrates functionality and aesthetics. The design includes an easy-to-open cap, bold typography, high-contrast colors, and a universal design to benefit a broader consumer base. The project proposes three SKUs, features new branding, and showcases mockups and prototypes, emphasizing the importance of inclusive packaging design for special-needs groups.

DELIVERABLES

Mock-ups

Physical Prototype

Presentation Slides

2D Graphic Die-line

TEAM

Yurun Ouyang

(Student)

Felix Xu

(Student)

Oscar Yu

(Student)

Stuart Werle

(Professor)

TIMELINE

2023.03

Requirements posted.

Redesign a consumer packaged product or create a new brand for a special-needs target group, aiming to improve packaging design to enhance accessibility and quality of life. Students research and analyze needs, limitations, and use patterns, identifying opportunities for change and innovation in packaging or retail environments.

SOFTWARES

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Rhino 3D

Vray for Rhino 3D

Google Slides

CATEGORY INSIGHT

We selected the elderly with weak arm strength as the neglected group for this project, emphasizing the need for inclusive and accessible packaging design, while maintaining universal design elements for all targets. This demographic faces challenges interacting with consumer products, struggling to open, lift, or handle packaging due to limited arm or hand strength, and facing readability and accessibility issues. By focusing on this group, we aim to create innovative packaging solutions that cater to their needs, while also benefiting a broader range of consumers.

FINAL MOCK-UPS

Corn Kernels | Green Beans | Luncheon Meat

We have identified several key factors for redesigning canned food packaging for the elderly with weak arm strength: accessibility, legibility, and safety. Our design addresses these factors while providing an aesthetically pleasing package that appeals to the target market. The main USP is an easier-to-access open cap, allowing those with arthritis or weak arm power issues to open it with less effort. We ensure bold typography, high-contrast colors, and clear labeling for easy readability. The packaging features a comfortable grip and ergonomic design, allowing the elderly to handle it without strain or discomfort.

DIE-LINE

English & French Principal Display Panels | Vanity Barcodes

PHYSICAL PROTOTYPE

Brand Identity

Accessibility

Our design prioritizes ease of use by incorporating features that facilitate effortless opening. Recognizing that weak arm strength and arthritis make it difficult for the elderly to open traditional cans, we designed an open cap requiring minimal effort, ensuring our target demographic can access the contents without struggle.

Legibility

We recognize that the elderly may struggle to read small print or discern low-contrast labels. Our packaging design features bold typography, high-contrast colors, and clear labeling, making it easier to read and understand. This enhances legibility, simplifying the process for the elderly to identify contents, instructions, and nutritional information.

Safety

The safety of our design is of utmost importance. Our packaging reduces the risk of injury by eliminating sharp edges and using materials that are easy to grip and handle. By minimizing potential hazards, we ensure that our packaging is not only accessible but also safe for the elderly with weak arm strength.