NaviLens: A New Way to See

NaviLens

As a designer specialising in brand and packaging, I try to keep a vigilant eye on emerging technologies that have the potential to elevate consumer experiences. Take QR codes, for example. When they were first introduced, their potential was evident. Functionally, they offered consumers a direct pathway to additional information while also affording brands engaging means to craft unique experiences. But, beyond the practical and fun bits, I couldn't help but wonder if there's a more meaningful way to make the most of this technology.

However, I recently stumbled upon a QR code application that, in my view, is a true game-changer when it comes to improving the shopping experience for consumers. Kellogg's innovative use of NaviLens codes on their cereal boxes goes beyond mere novelty. It serves a meaningful purpose, making shopping more accessible, convenient, and inclusive for a wide range of people.

NaviLens is a fantastic innovation, especially for the visually impaired. A simple scan of a code allows them to access information audibly and in text, even from distances of up to 12 meters or nearly 40 feet. This concept was born from a meeting between Kellogg Company and students from St. Vincent’s, a specialist school in Liverpool for children with sensory impairments, in 2019. The students’ insights inspired Kellogg’s to find a way to make shopping easier for everyone.

In 2020, Kellogg’s conducted a successful trial in the UK in partnership with Co-op, featuring NaviLens codes on Kellogg’s Coco Pops boxes. Evaluation by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) revealed that an astounding 97 percent of participants expressed a desire to see more accessibility features like this on grocery packaging in the future.

Following this successful trial, Kellogg’s made a landmark decision to permanently incorporate NaviLens codes into all their cereal boxes, effectively making them accessible to blind and partially sighted individuals.

97 percent of participants expressed a desire for more accessibility features like Navilens on packaging in the future.

At Hunt Hanson, we've always believed that design should do more than just look good; it should make life better. Kellogg's use of NaviLens is a great example of how design and technology can team up to create meaningful change. In this case, it’s a small change that makes a big difference in the lives of the visually impaired, for while inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging, supporting independence transforms lives. Brands should never underestimate the significance of this.

Kellogg's implementation of NaviLens is not a mere step forward; it is a leap toward a more inclusive and accessible future. Their initiative sets an extraordinary precedent, and I sincerely hope that more companies will be inspired to follow their lead.