Food & Beverage
Tower
Each can will have an indent on the base and then a corresponding indent on the top. The indents allows the can to act as an opener for the other can.
Field of Expertise
packaging Ergonomics
Expertise
I am world leading researcher and have made a significant influence in developing this field as an emerging area of research and creating 'real-world' change to the packaging industry and subsequently, the consumer's packaging experience and wellbeing. From my early studies I established that there was a significant gap in knowledge about human capability and the ability to open packaging. I have written and produced a significant body of work in this area with over 50 peer reviewed publications in print in high quality journals such as the Journal of Biomechanics (impact factor, 2.664), the Journal Food & Nutrition Research (impact factor 3.226), Appetite (impact factor 3.403), Applied Ergonomics (impact factor 1.866) and Packaging Technology and Science (impact factor 1.32). At this moment in time I am working on series of papers around the nutrition and use of packaging by older people in hospital environments (including the taking of nutrional supplement for very frail adults), the first of which has recently been accepted in the Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics. I am also working on a series of papers with my colleagues in Design Futures on the design of packaging information, packaging design for the visually impaired and design for ‘joy’. Through this activity I have been able to influence the design practice and development of packaging designs in some of the world's leading brand owners and pack formats. This has included pack testing and design recommendations for companies such as, H.J. Heinz, Mondelez, Arla foods and Rexam Plc and I have created further influence indirectly through my help in the development of packaging accessibility guidelines and standards (ISO11156, CEN15945 and ISO17480). As part of an ISO Working Group I am helping the development of a new standard around the manipulation and handling of packaging (ISO 22015). I am currently aiding the implementation of packaging accessibility test standards into the NHS supply chain which has already resulted in working with major brand owners such as Premier Foods, United Biscuits and Unilever to help assess and design out poorly performing packaging and hence influence design practice in those companies.