In preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Nike worked closely with Paralympic athletes to develop an adaptive backpack design that would provide smooth functionality for people of all bodily abilities.
Backpacks may not be the first thing people think of when considering designing for people living with disabilities, but brands often overlook the need for adaptive features that address limited range of motion or motor skills. The Elite EasyOn backpack boasts several key features that make it usable by every body including a magnetic flap closure and adjustable strap clasps.
Nike cited feedback from adaptive athletes, which described traditional zipper closures as difficult for those with varying dexterity or limited limb movement. The magnetic closure facilitates easy access to the inside of the bag, which can be done with one arm or with a slight tug or push. The adjustable strap placements provide users with a variety of carrying positions depending on their ability and also provide flexibility for hanging the bag on the back of a wheelchair.
While the development team's key initiative was to serve users living with disabilities, the benefit of adaptive design is that it serves everybody by making products useful to a wider group. In a statement provided by the brand Nike Lead Equipment Designer Brent Radewald said "If we can create a better bag for our adaptive athletes, we create a better product for every athlete.”
The Nike Elite EasyOn backpack is available now at the brand's web store and select retail locations.
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