Developing a Scoring Matrix to Evaluate the Usability of Consumer Packaging: A Pilot Study

摘要

The goal of the current study was to test a scoring matrix for evaluating and quantifying the difficulty ofuse of consumer packaging for an older adult population. Scores range from 0 to 100; the lower the score,the less usable the packaging design. Twelve older adults (9 females, 3 males; M_(age) = 69.5) completed anonline survey in which they evaluated 15 everyday packaging types on frequency of use and difficulty ofthe functional tasks required for use (e.g., pick up and carry, remove seal, open, dispense, close). Blisterpackaging scored the lowest (M = 71.5) and could benefit the most from redesign. Microwave mealpackaging scored the highest (M = 85.8), but this was the only score computed without all participants;only five participants reported using microwave meals. Pull tab cans scored second highest with a meanscore of 84.2. In this pilot study, we are laying the groundwork for creating a tool to systematically evaluateand quantify the usability of all packaging types.