Output details

Hold, grasp, clutch or grab: Consumer grip choices during food container opening

'This paper explores the effect of grip choice on the ability to access container packaging. Using bespoke equipment previously described in other studies (Yoxall, A. et.al. (2010) 'Understanding the use of tools for opening packaging', Universal Access in the Information Society, 9 (3), 273-281; and Yoxall, A. et.al. (2010) 'How wide do you want the jar? The effect of diameter on opening of wide-mouth closure'. Packaging Technology and Science, 23 (1), 11-18.), this research ascertained users' preferred grips when accessing container packaging. These were then measured against known 'standard' grips, categorised by Dr Yoxall in his previous works: Yoxall, A. et. al. (2008) 'Size does matter: further studies in hand-pack interaction using computer simulation', Packaging Technology and Science, 21 (2), 61-72; and Yoxall, A. et. al. (2007) 'Getting to grips with packaging: using ethnography and computer simulation to understand hand–pack interaction', Packaging Technology and Science, 20 (3) 217-229). Users' hand size was also measured.

The results showed that men used a wider range of grip types than women (they also produce consistently higher torque, as expected) and that women tended to use one grip type that was also their strongest. Hand size was seen to be a major influence on the choice of grip adopted. This work showed the significance of hand and product size interaction affecting ability to use the product and hence limiting options for women.