Introduction
You know what? Strongbow just made grabbing a cider a whole lot easier for everyone. Wait a sec, how? Well, they’ve teamed up with an agency called Purple Goat to bake some really clever tech right into their packaging. Honestly, it’s a pretty neat move to help visually impaired folks shop independently and enjoy their drink without any hassle.
Image Source: foodanddrinktechnology
Product Highlight
So here’s the thing. The cider packs now feature these integrated things called NaviLens codes. They look like bold, high-contrast squares. The cool part? You don’t have to line up your phone perfectly to scan them. These codes can be detected from a distance and from pretty much any angle.
Just open the free NaviLens app on your smartphone and point it at the code. Suddenly, your phone will read out loud all the details you’d want to know, stuff like ingredients, alcohol content, or even fun brand stories. Oh, and it can actually help guide someone through a store to find the product. How awesome is that?
Right now, they’re rolling this out on their packaging in certain markets. It’s not everywhere yet, but it’s a start.
Why It’s Popular / Special
This is way more than just a packaging refresh. It’s a real statement. Strongbow didn’t just guess what people needed. They actually listened to direct feedback from the blind and visually impaired community. That’s the key. It sets a new standard, showing how a everyday product like cider can thoughtfully blend tech with genuine accessibility. They’re basically paving the way for a better, more inclusive trip to the store.
Trends This Connects To
It taps right into a few big shifts happening right now. First, there’s assistive QR packaging, think smart codes that literally talk to you. Then, there’s the whole push for inclusive product design, where packaging is built for ease of use, not just to look good on a shelf. And finally, it’s part of the rise of smartphone shopping aids. Our phones are becoming essential tools for making physical stores more accessible to everyone.
Industry Impact
For the beverage industry, Strongbow is stepping out front on accessible design. They’re proving that inclusivity can be part of the product itself. On a bigger scale, it shows how fast-moving consumer goods are merging physical packaging with simple digital innovation. And it highlights how accessibility-focused agencies aren’t just nice-to-have anymore, they’re becoming crucial partners for big brands that want to do better.
Conclusion / Wrap-Up
By tucking NaviLens tech into its packaging, Strongbow is proving a drink can be about more than just flavor. It can be a leader in making everyday life a bit more accessible. Makes you think, doesn’t it? How many other products on the shelf could benefit from this kind of thoughtful design?