Life for the physically disabled or the visually impaired is an experience in telling us how privileged we are. Everyday tasks are a struggle – even something we take for granted, like maintaining personal hygiene. For example, applying a deodorant – opening the cap, then holding it in place, and using with one hand only. While most take this easy routine for granted, Degree Inclusive deodorant is considerate of this problem, addressing the flaws of typical deodorant sticks. The Unilever-owned brand has created this world’s first adaptive deodorant in collaboration with Wunderman Thompson and SOUR to have a better grip for application along with the magnetic closure to put the cap back in place for easy application.
Tailored for blind people and those with upper limb disability, this newly designed deodorant’s cap has a hook that can be hung while the lower body can be pulled down to reveal the deodorant stick. The applicator is larger than what we see with the usual deodorant stick to facilitate application with just one swipe. Degree has designed the package to have a braille label to make it visually impaired friendly, making it easier to locate on a stuffed retail store shelf. The deodorant design includes inputs from Christina Mallon, Wunderman Thompson’s head of inclusive design. Christina understands this challenge as she was diagnosed with a rare form of ALS, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or flail arm syndrome, causing her arms to become paralyzed slowly. In collaboration with Unilever, the creative agency has developed the prototype of Inclusive deodorant, which will be brought to the masses under the Rexona brand, one of the leaders in this market space.
As a matter of fact, simple tasks like applying a deodorant are also a struggle for older adults with limited dexterity. They can also benefit from using the Degree Inclusive Deodorant without a semblance of doubt. As per World Health Organization, every individual on the planet will experience some kind of temporary or permanent disability at some point in their life. This fact makes for an even more pressing reason to appreciate the inclusive design of the Degree’s deodorant.
Bas Korsten, the global chief creative officer at Wunderman Thompson, said, “It is a mundane and almost trivial thing, deodorant, but when you can’t use it, it becomes very important.” To this end; Degree, Wunderman Thompson and SOUR got in close quarters with people from the disabled community to tweak the package down to the best possible design. The final product might see even more fine-tuning, making it suitable for people who’ll eventually relish using the deodorant more than ever. As mindful designs like this continue aiding the community, we need to understand that it’s the small things that matter. After all, we all want the world to be a better and fairer place for everyone, isn’t that right?
Designer: Degree Deodorant
