An Inclusive Zipper That is Easier for Everyone to Use

Product Development Story： VISLON^® with Magnetic Closure

*VISLON^® with Magnetic Closure is a zipper with a magnet embedded in the retaining box, making it easy for anyone to use. This zipper is brimming with technology useful for a wide range of people, including the disabled, children, the elderly, and athletes.

SPORTS/OUTDOOR
FASHION

2022.05.31

YKK has long been committed to developing zippers that anyone can use, regardless of ability. For example, in 2008, YKK introduced a product called ez-TRACK^® zipper, a zipper with improved retaining box operability, greatly improving usability.

In 2015, the company made improving upon the ez-TRACK^® zipper its goal, with one-handed operation as the concept that kickstarted its development. The click-TRAK^® zipper was completed in 2018. This product allows the user to press a button rather than insert both sides of the zipper into the retaining box.

Yohei Shima of the Jacket Strategy Promotion Section of the Product Strategy Division says that the company had a variety of users test a prototype of the click-TRAK^® zipper and gave their opinions.

"Groups of people with disabilities and athletes used the product, and we received feedback that it was very easy to use, but some people said they still struggled to use it. Specifically, we found that for people who have difficulty moving their fingers precisely, such as children and the elderly, there was room for improvement in this product. That's when we concluded that assistance from a magnet would be necessary to achieve our concept of one-handed operation."

We monitored and had meeting with the athletes who has been used click-TRAK^® in their daily lives and training for a month and a half. Based on their feedbacks, opinions, and requests, we would make further improvements and development accordingly.

Shima says that the idea of using magnets already existed when the ez-TRACK^® zipper was developed and that the company had been warming up to the idea for some time. However, zippers made with magnets were difficult to achieve since they would stick to production equipment and other metal objects, which made them difficult to control and slow to produce.

"We made changes to our production methods to solve the issue of slow production, which helped us to increase productivity and commercialize the product,"

recalls Tomoyuki Ekko of the Product Development Department.

According to Ekko, the balance between magnetic force, strength, and ease of use was considered as several sizes and shapes were tested, finally developing a design with a sleek, clean look as well.

These efforts bore fruit, and the VISLON^® with Magnetic Closure was selected for the "2020 Good Design Best 100" as one of the one hundred products among Good Design Award winners that received particularly high ratings from the judges. This is the third consecutive year and the fourth time ever that YKK's zippers have received the Good Design Award.

Shima discussed the potential of the product, the VISLON^® with Magnetic Closure.

"First and foremost, I want people with physical disabilities to be able to use this product. It can also be zipped up while wearing gloves and can be zipped or unzipped quickly without looking, which I believe makes it ideal for use in sportswear."

The evolution of easy operation item series. ez-TRAK^® is abolished.

He also said this about the future of the VISLON^® with Magnetic Closure:

"People with disabilities have told us, 'I want to look fashionable, but I can't wear clothes with zippers, so I have given up.' It is crucial that we strive to set prices at the same level as conventional products so that this product can be used for everyday clothing and not just high-priced clothes."

In this way, Shima has renewed his resolve to continue developing the VISLON^® Magnet Type zipper VISLON^® with Magnetic Closure to help build a world where everyone can enjoy fashion and sports freely.

*Warning: This product contains a strong magnet in the zipper retaining box. Magnets may interfere with medical devices. Keep this product at least 15 cm away from medical devices and consult a physician for precautions regarding use. If interference is suspected, discontinue use and consult a physician. Swallowing the magnetic part of this product may cause serious injury. If swallowed, seek medical attention immediately. The magnetic force of this product may interfere with avalanche beacons or GPS device transmissions. Do not use as a toy. You need to get used to the one-handed operation.

VISLON® with Magnetic Closure

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