Packaging Accessibility for Blind and Low-Vision Consumers: A Human-Centred Investigation

Consumer packaging functions as both a physical and informational interface, yet many identification, information, opening, and digital entry features rely heavily on vision. Although accessible packaging has been addressed in previous research, the targeted literature review did not identify a comparable task-based design-support structure integrating barriers experienced by blind and low-vision (BLV) consumers across recurring packaging tasks. This study examined packaging barriers and accessibility needs among BLV consumers and translated the findings into a preliminary framework for packaging design and evaluation. A sequential, multiphase exploratory mixed-methods study in Slovenia comprised a focus group (n = 7), an accessible survey (n = 59), and a separate formative tactile-symbol exploration (n = 10). Packages without a detectable opening point were problematic for 45/59 respondents, 26/59 could never verify instructions independently, and 11/30 respondents receiving QR-code follow-up items had difficulty locating the code. Integration of the main qualitative and quantitative findings yielded six task-related accessibility domains. These informed a framework linking empirical interaction problems to functional objectives, sensory access routes, package-based signifiers, candidate implementation responses, and prospective task-level evaluation measures. The framework is intended to support packaging designers and researchers in identifying accessibility barriers, considering candidate design responses, and structuring subsequent user testing.