Product & Packaging Usability Testing Lab

The Arthritis Foundation’s Tilt Ease of Use Lab tests and certifies products and packaging proven easier to use for people with arthritis and chronic pain, helping brands advance inclusive innovation for everyone.

The Ease of Use℠ Certification program has long helped brands understand how real people — especially those living with arthritis — struggle with products and packaging in their daily lives. By grounding design decisions in lived experience, the program empowers teams to create solutions that reduce strain, increase independence, and make everyday tasks easier for everyone.

Now, we’re expanding that impact. The launch of our in-house lab marks the next evolution of the program, offering brands and designers state-of-the-art testing resources to drive more inclusive innovation than ever before — so products work better for people with arthritis and, ultimately, for all.

Meet the Lab Team

Dr. Bobbie Watts, CHFP

Director, Ease of Use Engineering. Dr. Bobbie Watts, CHFP is a recognized expert with over 27 years of experience in Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics/Human Factors. She holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Clemson University, as well as a master's and PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University

Design Considerations

Our lab focuses on eight key usability considerations for product or package design.

Lab Evaluation

Lab evaluations begin with a checklist tied to the Ease of Use evaluation protocols. The Director, Ease of Use Engineering performs each lab evaluation based on the product or package design in alignment with our standard protocols.

Human Factor Evaluations

The importance of bringing people living with arthritis, chronic pain or similar mobility limiting conditions, brings personal experience into our human factor evaluations. This valuable data is shared extensively in our testing reports.

Testing Categories

The Tilt Ease of Use Lab is licensed to test and certify products and packaging in more than 80 goods and services in three categories. We offer resources, design consultations, and customized partnerships with engineers and design teams.

Elevating the Future of Inclusive Design

Now is the moment for a major leap forward. The lab propels our 21-year legacy into a new era — one with greater speed, deeper expertise, and elevated visibility.

By bringing testing in-house, we gain sharper control, tighter alignment between testing and design, and the ability to scale innovation rapidly. This dedicated space is built for momentum and impact — empowering brands like Advil, Pilot and Tilt Beauty, to deliver accessible solutions that work better for people with arthritis and for everyone.

Ease of Use Certification Program

Design For Ease of Use

The Ease of Use℠ Program drives thought leadership in inclusive design while partnering with companies to evolve the design of products and packaging that are easier for everyone to use.

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Accessible Design Tools

Ease of Use Design Guides

Created in partnership with Target, the Ease of Use design guides serve as essential resources for engineers and designers during the requirements definition and design development stages.

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Design Ease for All

Discover the 2024 Ease of Use Study

Dive into the findings from our 2024 study showing how packaging and product design aren’t just a convenience, but also a critical factor for those with arthritis. Learn how brands can win trust, widen their market and make life easier for everyone.

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Elevate Your Brand Today

Design for Ease: A Competitive Edge

Discover how inclusive design gives your brand a powerful advantage with our Ease of Use® certification program. Learn how making products and packaging easier for those living with arthritis supports loyalty, accessibility and market growth.

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