It’s a problem crisp eaters have long faced: how do you open a packet with one hand?

But now a new Israeli invention means you can get chomping on your favourite flavour even if you’re laden with shopping or the phone.

The revolutionary new packet design is the creation of Noa Barda (below), 28, a student of Industrial Design at the prestigious Holon Institute of Technology (HIT). She particularly wanted to help disabled people who do not have full use of both hands.

Her design is now being used by Israel’s biggest snack food company, Strauss Group.

While most people open crisp packets by grasping the two sides of the bag and pulling them in opposite directions, Ms Barda’s simple but brilliantly effective idea was to modify the cutting machines in the factory to make a small notch on the top of the packet, where the bag is sealed.

This allows the packet to be opened by tearing the plastic downwards and across, leaving an opening on one corner — something the crisp manufacturer had not previously included in their packet design.

Ms Barda told the JC: “I was happy to have the opportunity to present my idea to Strauss as part of my studies, thanks to my professors Gad Cherni and Dana Yichye-Shwachman.

“I have a background in packaging design, and I’m always looking for ways to make life easier and better for everyone through good design, especially when it comes to those who face extra challenges because of disabilities.”

Representatives from Strauss collaborated with HIT to provide students the chance to work on real-life products and challenges. Students had the opportunity to present their ideas to the food giant, gaining vital feedback and real-world experience of commercial design work. Now Strauss is rolling out Barda’s new packaging across their range of snacks, and has even started advertising the new packaging on TV.

Having just graduated from HIT, Barda hopes to work more in the field of packaging. She has high hopes that her idea might soon be used internationally.