In the world of custom packaging, we often spend a lot of time talking about how a box looks on a shelf or an Instagram feed. But there is another, more quiet side to design: how it feels in a customer’s hands.
As we look at the changing demographics across Canada, it’s becoming clear that the most beautiful box in the world loses its charm if it’s a struggle to open.
This is where Design Empathy comes in. It’s the practice of moving away from “wrap rage” which is that universal frustration of needing scissors, teeth, or brute force to get to a product, and toward inclusive packaging design.
By making small, thoughtful adjustments, we can ensure that every customer, regardless of their age or physical dexterity, feels welcomed by your brand.
How to End Wrap Rage
We’ve all been there: you receive a package you’ve been excited about, only to find it’s encased in layers of heavy-duty plastic tape or reinforced cardboard that won’t budge.
Seriously, why would they encase a pair of scissors in packaging that you need scissors to open?!
For an aging demographic or those with limited hand strength, this isn’t just a minor annoyance – it’s a barrier.
Inclusive packaging design means anticipating these moments and solving them before they happen. Instead of forcing a customer to go hunting for a box cutter, we can incorporate features that make the process intuitive and gentle:
- The Satisfying Zip: Integrated pull-tabs and micro-perforations allow a box to be opened with one smooth motion. It’s a small detail that makes a world of difference.
- Ergonomic Thumb Notches: A simple semi-circle cut-out on a rigid box lid removes the vacuum seal effect, allowing the lid to slide off effortlessly rather than requiring a tug-of-war.
- Textured Grips: Using specific paper finishes or raised varnishes can provide a bit of extra grip for those who might find smooth lamination slippery or hard to hold.
Clarity as a Form of Kindness
Accessibility isn’t just about the physical opening; it’s also about visual clarity.
As we get older, our eyes need a bit more help. When a brand uses tiny, low-contrast text on a busy background, it sends a subtle message that the customer’s ease of use wasn’t a priority.
Inclusive packaging design invites us to be clearer. By choosing high-contrast color palettes and larger, legible fonts, you’re making your brand’s story accessible to everyone.
Whether it’s the instructions on a skincare bottle or the thank you note inside a bakery box, clarity is a form of kindness that builds a deep, lasting connection with your audience.
A Better Experience for Everyone
The beauty of empathetic design is that it rarely benefits just one group.
A box that is easy for a senior to open is also easier for a busy parent holding a toddler, or someone unboxing a gift in a hurry. When we design for the most vulnerable users, we end up creating a better experience for everyone.
At LeKAC, we love helping brands think through these humanistic details.
It’s about more than just the technical specs of a folding carton or a paper bag; it’s about the person on the other side of that package.
When you lead with empathy, your packaging becomes a reflection of your brand’s heart. It shows that you’ve thought about the customer’s entire journey, from the moment they see the box to the moment they finally hold the product inside.
If you’re looking to make existing packaging more accessible, creating an inclusive packaging design and need feedback, or you’re now starting out and need an entire suite, the LeKAC Pack can help you. Send us a message today to start your journey on the right path!
