Easy to use – test and certification

What is Easy to Use?

Our Easy to use certification is based on usability tests of packaging and products, carried out by individuals with impaired hand function. The method is scientifically reviewed and published. It involves 20 people with diagnosed hand function impairment performing each handling step of the packaging or product in question. They assess how difficult or easy each step is using a six-point scale “Impossible”, “Very difficult”, “Quite difficult”, “Neither difficult nor easy”, “Quite easy” and “Very easy”

Participants also evaluate their hand function and their ability to perform common grips. We calibrate these results against a reference group of over 100 individuals with impaired hand function to ensure statistically reliable outcomes. If the test group has better hand function than the reference group, we adjust their ratings downward accordingly. If they have more reduced hand function, we adjust the ratings upward. This means that the reference group essentially determines the final assessment, ensuring fairness across different testing rounds.

The Easy to use certification is based on handling tests of packaging and products carried out by people with reduced hand function. The methodology is unique and scientifically peer-reviewed and published in Swedish Design Research Journal.

How are the tests conducted?

Our testing provider receives prototypes or finished products to be evaluated. Test participants are then invited to one or more sessions, depending on how many handling steps need to be assessed. They carry out the relevant tasks, such as opening, pouring from, and resealing packaging. Participants rate the difficulty of each step and may also provide comments explaining what made a task challenging. Sometimes, companies choose to ask the participants questions directly to gain further insights. Responsible for the tests is Lena Lorentzen Design AB. The company is run by Lena Lorentzen, Industrial designer specialising in inclusive design, Professor of Industrial design with 35 years of experience in Inclusive design. Lena is responsible for conducting the tests. She has developed the test method and has a unique knowledge in her field. lenalorentzendesign.se

What is required for a product or packaging to be approved as Easy to use?

 For a product or packaging to be certified, all handling steps in the calibrated results must reach at least “Neither difficult nor easy” or easier. Once approved, the product or packaging is officially certified as Easy to use by the Swedish Rheumatism Association. Certified products and packaging can be market with the Easy to use label. A signal to the consumers that the product really is easy to use and to open for all.