Barbie with a white cane highlights important behind-the-scenes work
When you read the news that Mattel is launching a blind Barbie with a white cane, note that the doll was developed with organizations and people who are experts in, and themselves have, visual impairments.
Mattel also organized play sessions for children with visual impairments as part of product development. Hence the news is also about attention to detail, right down to how the box is opened.
- The clothes are made of materials with a high sensory and tactile experience (a pink satin blouse and pleated skirt).
- To easily change clothes, the blouse has a high-contrast fastening with a hook and the skirt has an elastic waistband.
- The elbow joints have been designed so that the doll can use the cane in a way that is perceived as comfortable.
- Barbie in Braille on the box is strategically placed according to advice from people with low vision.
- To make it easier for people with visual impairments to open the box on their own, it has been supplemented with a new pull-out tab.
Note that high-contrast details are about making it easier to handle the doll for anyone with sight loss.
And the details on the box (the placement of the braille and the pull-out tab) will now be implemented on all Barbie boxes in the Fashionista series. It highlights how a focus on accessibility contributes to design that helps everyone.
I am aware that Mattel and Barbie are not without their controversy as a phenomenon, and have rightly been brought into question many times. But I do appreciate the process and attention to inclusive design they demonstrate in this case, and that many more organizations can learn from.
References
Chloe Mac Donnell
Holly Bancroft
