Microsoft knows that opening the packaging that protects and advertises items can pose another obstacle to those who deal with physical impairments. As such, the company has put a lot of thought into how its previously revealed Xbox Adaptive Controller will be delivered to consumers. The result is a pretty impressive type of box, which is made of rigid paperboard and provides less resistance than normal packaging does.
The aforementioned box will include pull loops that will allow easy access to the device, its warranty, and its start guide. This also includes a loop that will make removing the sealing tape easier than it is on a traditional controller’s box. Said design philosophy included a challenge, too, wherein anything that would require teeth to open just wasn’t acceptable.
“It’s great that we’ve created this controller for people to use, but if they can’t even get it out of the box, we’ve sort of fallen on our face with this whole process. This makes such a huge difference in how someone gets our device out of the package,” stated Solomon Romney, a Microsoft Stores retail learning specialist from Utah. “I still think about it and think, why isn’t more packaging like this?”
Romney was shown three different prototypes and was asked to use his left hand, on which he was born without fingers, to open them. After testing out the final version, he continued to sing its praises.
“The whole thing sort of blossoms open in this really beautiful, fluid way,” he said. “The package just sort of opens and hands you the controller. What’s wonderful about it is the effortlessness.”
Mike Luckett, an avid gamer from Colorado who has limited mobility in his fingers as the result of injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident, also shared his impressions.
“I’m excited that Microsoft is taking the opportunity to try to understand individuals who have less ability to open a traditional package than able-bodied users,” he said. “Having this easy-to-open packaging doesn’t just benefit us in the disabled community. It benefits everybody to have a package that opens a lot faster, with less hassle, so you can game faster.”
The Xbox Adaptive Controller is currently up for preorder through the Microsoft Store, for $99.99 USD, and will be released in September.