A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Barrier-Free Visual Communication Design in Elderly-Friendly Pharmaceutical Packaging
Abstract
The demand for age-friendly pharmaceutical packaging designs has increased due to global aging, but current packaging fails to accommodate the reduction in visual acuity and cognitive processing in aged individuals. This paper explores how the design elements influence the safety and adherence of medication among Chinese elderlies and develop design guidelines for barrier-free pharmaceutical packaging. Sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was applied. Phase I: A total of 12 experts, recruited through purposive sampling underwent semi-structured interviews. Phase II: Region-stratified random sampling was applied in 480 adults above 60 years from three Chinese provinces. All participants completed experimental tasks related to medication package prototypes with varying font sizes and color contrasts. Data analyses involved thematic analysis using NVivo 14 and quantitative methods such as two-way ANOVA and ordinal logistic regression using SPSS 29. Five themes emerged in the qualitative analysis, including the following: (1) visual clarity as a prerequisite for safety, (2) typography appropriate for age, (3) intuitive color-coding systems, (4) simplified information hierarchy, and (5) culturally sensitive design considerations. In quantitative tests, significant main effects of font size (F(2,477) = 45.67, p < .001, η2 = 0.16) and color contrast (F(1,477) = 38.92, p < .001, η2 = 0.08) on reading time and error rates were reported. The integrated analysis resulted in six priorities for design features that improve usability and medication adherence intentions. The study provides an evidence-based framework for designing barrier-free pharmaceutical packaging specific to elderly users' needs and provides practical implications to pharmaceutical manufacturers and their regulatory bodies.
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