Obstacles Are In Our Head

You may be congenitally disabled for a reason. It may not be easy to focus on the future and adapt to life without being offended. While everything was very normal, you may have suddenly become disabled, it may not be easy to accept. Remember and be aware; 1 billion people with disabilities live in the world. Approximately 15% of the world's population consists of people with disabilities.

Technology is touching lives more and more effectively in removing barriers. Many projects are being produced and awareness is being created. It may be a cliché, but we should not forget that obstacles are not in our heads, but in our lives. A car parked in the wrong place, a wrongly designed ladder, or a blinded human being make the barriers worse. It is up to us to remove these barriers.

Another product that wants to remove the disabilities has been designed and has taken its place in our lives. Degree Inclusive is the first deodorant product to come in a specially designed package for people with visual impairments, such as upper extremities, or those with impaired vision. People with limited arm mobility have trouble turning a deodorant cap, twisting a wand, or pushing down a spray can. Typical actions are required for existing packages. That's why Degree reached out to occupational therapists, engineers, consultants and designers from Wunderman Thompson to create an easy-to-apply deodorant package, experimenting with people with disabilities.

The unique features of the prototype package are:

• Hooked design for one-handed use.

• Magnetic closures for easy cap removal and reclosing.

• Ergonomic grip for easier application for users with limited mobility or no arms.

• Braille instructions on label for visually impaired or blind users.

• A larger roll-on applicator to achieve more surface area on the slide.

Degree, in partnership with the Lighthouse of Chicago, the Open Style Lab, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, has invited 200 disabled people in the US to try this new product. Participants were asked to share their feedback on the product and package, including functionality and messaging. The input of the collected data will help improve the product/package for its future commercial launch. SOUR design studio created more than 200 prototypes for Degree's user trial. Pınar Güvenç, partner of SOUR, said, "While the first prototypes were 3D printed in-house for rapid iteration, the final prototype was produced by reaction injection molding." he states.

Although the product is perceived as being produced only for disabled people, it is actually a sustainability and recycling project at the same time. Plans are already in place for recycling and refilling products after use. Good things continue to happen in the world. It is good people who will protect this world.