Unilever designs inclusive deodorant for consumers with motor and visual disabilities

30 Apr 2021 --- Unilever’s deodorant brand Degree has developed an antiperspirant for people with visual impairment and upper limb motor disabilities. The UK trial of Degree Inclusive is expected to commence in August. 

“Once completed, the brand will be able to move forward on finalizing the design and bringing it to market as soon as possible,” a Degree spokesperson tells PackagingInsights.

Degree Inclusive was designed specifically for those with visual impairment and upper limb mobility disabilities, also taking disabilities like multiple sclerosis, ALS, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy into consideration.

“That being said, we recognize there is so much more work to be done to help serve the nuanced needs of those with a diverse set of disabilities. This is just the beginning of accessible design,” says the Degree spokesperson.

Deodorants through a different lens
The new deodorant bottle hangs by an easily detachable hook lid for one-handed use. Magnetic closures further facilitate taking the cap off and putting it back on.

The UK trial of Degree Inclusive is expected to commence in August.A larger roll-on applicator means the product reaches a greater surface area per swipe and a wider grip placement at the bottom makes it easier for consumers with limited grip or no arms to hold the deodorant. All labels and product information are also embossed in Braille letters.

To meet environmental sustainability calls, Degree Inclusive can also be unscrewed at the top half of the bottle. This reveals a refillable chamber to allow consumers to reuse the product and benefit from its design repeatedly.

Expert insights
Everyday personal hygiene items are “something that people without disabilities take for granted,” says the Degree spokesperson. 

Limited sight or arm mobility can make twisting a deodorant cap, turning a stick or pressing a spray a challenge. Unilever stresses that the fear of sweating and smelling without antiperspirant protection can also prevent people with disabilities from moving as much as they would like to. 

Unilever highlights people with disabilities are the largest minority group in the world. According to the CDC, one in four people have a disability in the US alone, yet beauty and personal care products often overlook their challenges and needs.

Currently in the beta-program phase, Degree invited 200 consumers with a range of physical disabilities to trial its prototype roll-on. 

Feedback from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, NGOs Open Style Lab and The Lighthouse Chicago, and a panel of engineers, designers and occupational therapists will be applied to help improve the concept, product features and messaging before it officially hits shelves.

The deodorant hangs by a hook, making it easier for people with motor disabilities to uncap.Prototypes that didn’t make the cut
Using a collaborative approach, Degree Inclusive went through three rounds of revisions to get to the final design. “The team was really happy with all of the initial designs, but ultimately felt the best option was a prototype that offered a total redesign of the bottle, instead of a device you can add on to the existing bottle,” the Degree spokesperson explains.

The team also did some further testing around the bottle and discovered that users with disabilities would benefit from a larger rollerball to cover more surface area without additional movement.

“While Degree Inclusive is a pilot program for Unilever, we do intend to see long-term change across the portfolio and we’re excited for what’s around the corner,” concludes the Degree spokesperson. 

More inclusive product design is growing slowly but steadily in the packaging industry. Alternative designs for the visually impaired in particular are coming to the fore, ranging from smartphone playback cereal boxes to sensory-enhanced shampoo bottles and QR codes on olive oil bottles. 

By Anni Schleicher