Work of the Week: 30/04/21

One in four people in the United States has a disability, yet countless everyday products that many of us take for granted are not designed with this community in mind. Deodorant is one such product. In fact, across the beauty industry, according to a recent Unilever press release, there is currently no deodorant product suitable for people with upper body disabilities to use. Twisting the cap, turning a stick, pushing down on a spray: they all present real challenges for people with limited arm mobilities.

With that in mind, Degree deodorant, a Unilever brand, and its agency Wunderman Thompson this week launched the world’s first inclusive deodorant for people with visual impairment and upper limb motor disabilities. Degree partnered with an inclusive team of design experts from Wunderman Thompson, occupational therapists, engineers, consultants, and people living with disabilities across the globe to create a prototype for the product dubbed Degree Inclusive. This potentially revolutionary product is driven by five key design features (which you can find out more on below).

To ensure this original prototype is effective and accessible, Degree is currently in a beta program to engage and get input from people living with disabilities. But it shows real signs of being able to make a real difference to the everyday lives of millions of people, and is a standout project in this week's Work of the Week. Check the full list below.