1. Strive for equitable use of the package. Ensure that a variety of consumers can use the package, regardless of differences in their physical abilities, behaviors, habits, and size. Kimberly-Clark's redesign of Huggies Baby Wash packaging features a "grippable" bottle with a large lid that mom can manipulate in one hand while holding the baby with the other hand at bath time.

2. Provide flexibility in use. Encourage designs that provide a choice in methods of product use and that accommodate right- or left-handed use.

3. Design for simple and intuitive use. Your design is successful if an untrained person can effectively navigate the design and understand the product immediately. Procter & Gamble’s Febreze Air Effects air freshener cans include a trigger and grip zone that guide the consumer to the appropriate grip.

4. Communicate perceptible information. Use different symbols and tactile finishes for redundant presentation of essential information, maximizing legibility.

5. Provide tolerance for error. Consumer mistakes are unavoidable, and package designs should “tolerate” them without causing damage to the product or injury to the consumer.

6. Minimize the physical effort. Ideally, packages should work well when consumers exert minimal physical effort. Good designs minimize repetitive actions and sustained physical effort.

7. Select the right size and space for approach and use. Appropriate package size and spacing should be provided for approach, read manipulation, and use, regardless of the consumer’s body size, posture, or mobility.

Read more about the seven principles and guidelines for implementing them in package design.

--By Javier de la Fuente and Laura Bix

Javier de la Fuente is a Research Assistant at Michigan State University’s School of Packaging, where he is pursuing his Master of Science degree. Laura Bix is an Assistant Professor in the School of Packaging.