Design and Health: Reimagining Clarity
Eyedrops Design 2025 | Information Design
Too often, packaging for eyedrops is nearly indistinguishable from products like ear drops, nasal sprays, or even super glue — leading to real, sometimes devastating, consequences. In one widely reported incident, a woman mistook a bottle of nail glue for eyedrops and instantly sealed her eye shut, requiring emergency medical attention.
These errors are not rare — they stem from poor visual differentiation, unclear labeling, and generic packaging that fails to prioritize user safety. Our conceptual redesign tackles this problem head-on by reimagining eyedrop packaging through the lens of clarity, accessibility, and intuitive design. From bold visual cues and colour coding to improved labeling and tactile features, this project explores how thoughtful design can prevent dangerous mix-ups and promote safe, confident use — especially for those with impaired vision or in a hurry.
Key Issues in Eye-Drop Packaging
Lack of Distinctiveness Between Similar products
Poor Label Legibility
Insufficient Hierarchy of Information
Overly Similar Branding Across Variants
Poor Accessibility for Visually Impaired Users
Inadequate Warning or Safety Cues
Hard-to-Use Dropper Design
Non-Intuitive Storage Instructions
Solving the Problem - The Box
Intentional Use of Red as a Functional Signifier
Colour Accessibility
Solves Clutter and Repetition
Reduces Branding and Excessive Colours
Maintains Contrast for Readability
Establishes Clear Hierarchy
User Focussed Design
Solving the Problem - The Bottle
Using the red cap to signify category
Eye drop shaped bottle
Visual affordance
Product Differentiation
Low Vision Affordances
Readable layout
Simplified instruction flow
Bottle Render | Cameron Roscoe
Packaging Redesign | Ashley Hammer
Initial User Testing | Tice Kehler
Concept Sketches | Tice Kehler
American Academy of Ophthalmology | Color Codes for Topical Ocular Medications
Packaging Breakdown | Tice Kheler
Resin Printed Bottle | Cameron Roscoe
Initial User Testing | Tice Kehler
Bottle Render | Cameron Rosco
Ergonomics and Safety in Hand Tool Design | Charles A. Cash a, Ph.D., CPE, CSP