Universal Design | Case Study

Author

Rafael

Last updated

March 17, 2025

No Beauty Barrier in Sight with Victorialand

At Victorialand their mission and belief is that the ability to look and feel beautiful, to creatively express yourself is a universal right. That’s why, as a company, not only are they changing the way the world sees beauty – they’re changing who it is for. The mission is to create a barrier-free world by designing for disability first, creating solutions that are not only inclusive, but better for everyone.

For people with any degree of vision loss, everyday activities we take for granted – like identifying a product – or reading a label hamper your independence, enjoyment and safety. Judging a product by touch can be difficult, as many packages are generically shaped without tactile markings.

Only 10% of the low vision or blind consumers read braille. This audience has virtually been ignored when it comes to product accessibility. Victoria Watts designed CyR.U.S., a proprietary tactile recognition system of raised trademarked symbols and QR code technology to facilitate product identification, information and usage, and to change the paradigm.

CyR.U.S. is a packaging communication system comprised of a set of universal raised symbols and QR code technology that provides easy product identification through touch and audible product information with a simple scan to all users. This simple to use raised universal symbol system is comprised of 11 raised symbols to facilitate product identification. Each QR code is embossed to allow for easy identification to scan using a smartphone. In the future, Victorialand plans to offer audible product information in all languages.

CyR.U.S was created alongside a focus group from the Lighthouse Organization to design the appropriate symbols for each product, determine size, placement and embossing of the QR code for easy identification. The CyR.U.S. eliminates the need for product information and multiple languages for compliance on the cartons. Provides equal accessibility for visually impaired consumers and a better product experience for all users.