Research on Inclusive Design Strategies for Packaging of OTC Drugs for the Elderly

Keyi Huang

doi:10.54254/2753-7064/2025.27306

Communications in Humanities ResearchOpen access

Research on Inclusive Design Strategies for Packaging of OTC Drugs for the Elderly

Research Article

Open Access

Research on Inclusive Design Strategies for Packaging of OTC Drugs for the Elderly

Keyi Huang ^1*

¹ Nanjing University of Science and Technology

^*Corresponding author: 123109011031@njust.edu.cn

Published on 24 September 2025

CHR Vol.73

ISSN (Print): 2753-7072

ISSN (Online): 2753-7064

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-267-6

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-268-3

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Abstract

Based on the growing demand for OTC drugs among the elderly under the background of China’s accelerating aging population, this study focuses on the problems in pharmaceutical packaging design, such as poor readability, operational difficulties, and weak auxiliary identification. By introducing the concept of inclusive design, and starting from the multidimensional characteristics of the elderly in terms of physiology, cognition, and socialization ability, a design strategy framework is proposed, centered on cognitive inclusion, functional inclusion, and emotional inclusion. Through specific approaches such as information hierarchy optimization, multi-sensory synergy, and linking to social resources, this study systematically constructs design methods that improve the usability, comprehensibility, and emotional identification of drug packaging. The aim is to provide the elderly with a safer, more autonomous, and dignified medication experience, while also offering theoretical references and practical guidance for pharmaceutical enterprises and design practices.

Keywords:

Inclusive design, elderly, OTC drug packaging, medication safety, age-friendly design

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