Nike has teamed up with Paralympic athletes to expand its product line to include all kinds of bodily abilities. The result is the Elite EasyOn backpack, a product created with input from athletes to ensure it meets the needs of individuals with varying levels of mobility and motor skills.
Notable features include a magnetic flap closure, which provides effortless access to the bag’s contents and allows users to customize the fit to suit their comfort level. Products like this resonate with consumers who prioritize companies with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. For Nike, "[i]f[they] can create a better bag for our adaptive athletes, [they can] create a better product for every athlete," as stated by Lead Equipment Designer Brent Radewald.
The Nike Elite EasyOn backpack is available online and at select retail locations.
Dynamic Inclusion-Focused Backpacks
Nike's Elite EasyOn Backpack Features a Seamless Magnetic Flap
Trend Themes
1. Adaptive Design Innovation - The incorporation of adaptive features like magnetic flap closures in everyday items reflects a shift towards more inclusive product design.
2. Inclusion-focused Collaborations - Collaborating with Paralympic athletes to create inclusive products positions brands as advocates for diversity and champions of all abilities.
3. Seamless Accessibility Solutions - Seamless magnetic closures in backpacks highlight advancements in making daily-use products more accessible for individuals with varying motor skills.
Industry Implications
1. Sportswear - The sportswear industry is progressively adopting inclusive designs, offering adaptive products that cater to diverse athletic needs.
2. Assistive Technology - Innovative design solutions in assistive technology are leading to more user-friendly products for individuals with disabilities.
3. Retail - Retailers are increasingly stocking adaptive and inclusive products, enhancing their appeal to a broader range of consumers with different needs.