Applications regardi̇ng the perception of aesthetics and functionality in the design of carton packages for visually impaired people as a graphic design problem

The starting point of the thesis about is based on the idea of examining the perception of functionality and aesthetics about the design of packages to be manufactured with tactile methods for visually impaired individuals. Therefore, the study approaches the issue from the viewpoint of the tactile sense rather than of eyesight, which is the central issue in designs. In this context, the goal is to produce graphic design solutions by adding the tactile sense to the single sentence domination that ensures visual communication. The target audience of tactile designs was limited to visually impaired individuals, and the definition of being visually impaired was addressed. This information forms the basis of the ideational questioning on the functionality and aesthetics of the package design applications to be made in accordance with the needs of visually impaired individuals. For this purpose, three different industries were identified including the health, food and cosmetics industries based on the fundamental needs of visually impaired people. The carton packages of these industries were examined in terms of their design characteristics, printing techniques and their manufacturability by the technique enabling tactile information. This thesis was guided by insights on such design processes as functionality, aesthetics, readability, sustainability and idea production in the design application towards these industries. Thus it became possible to explain the reasons and results of the solution producing approaches to the design towards the visually impaired among all these interconnected explanations. National and international design examples were also referenced within the frame of this thesis study. Based on all these technical and theoretical data, packages relating to the subject matter industries were designed, their fundamental characteristics and applications were offered to visually impaired individuals in "Six Points Association of the Blind" (Istanbul Branch) and in the "Emirgan Six Points Rehabilitation Center for the Visually Impaired", and suitability of the solution was tested. Key Words: Graphic Design, Package Design, Functionality, Aesthetics, Tactile Design, Being Visually Impaired.