Whirlpool Unveils Inclusive Spin&Load Dishwasher Rack for Improved Accessibility
Approximately 25% of U.S. households include a family member living with a disability. With that in mind, Whirlpool has introduced the Spin&Load Rack—a thoughtfully designed, user-friendly, 360º rotating lower dishwasher rack that enhances accessibility in the kitchen. Created in partnership with the United Spinal Association, this innovative replacement rack is compatible with standard dishwashers and marks a meaningful step forward in promoting kitchen inclusivity.
“The Spin&Load Rack highlights Whirlpool’s focus on inclusive, human-first innovation, helping households complete everyday tasks with greater ease,” said April Taylor, Associate Brand Manager at Whirlpool. “We are dedicated to developing diverse and accessible product solutions that improve life for all of our consumers.”
As the most inclusive lower-level dishwasher rack currently available, the Spin&Load Rack’s rotating feature provides easier access to all areas of the rack—minimizing the need to stretch or reposition while loading and unloading dishes. The accessory is compatible with all 24-inch Whirlpool Corporation dishwashers produced after 2018, including models from Amana, JennAir, KitchenAid, and Maytag. Its packaging is also designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a pull-tab system that enables easy one-handed unboxing.
The concept originated during an innovation challenge hosted by AVID (Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities), Whirlpool Corporation’s employee resource group. Interns were asked to create a more accessible product, sparking the idea that led to the Spin&Load Rack. Whirlpool engineers then developed prototypes, which were tested by members of the United Spinal Association during a consumer research study. Feedback from this testing directly influenced the final design. Additional usability studies were conducted with individuals from Corewell Health to ensure the product met a wide range of needs.
“To design truly inclusive products, Whirlpool made it a priority to engage the disability community throughout every phase—from ideation and engineering to packaging and marketing,” said Katie Frayer, Engineering Analyst at Whirlpool Corporation. “As an AVID member and co-host of the innovation challenge that inspired this product, I’m proud to see the Spin&Load Rack become a reality. It’s a meaningful step in our mission to support consumers with mobility limitations and create products that make a difference.”
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“The Spin&Load Rack highlights Whirlpool’s focus on inclusive, human-first innovation, helping households complete everyday tasks with greater ease,” said April Taylor, Associate Brand Manager at Whirlpool. “We are dedicated to developing diverse and accessible product solutions that improve life for all of our consumers.”
As the most inclusive lower-level dishwasher rack currently available, the Spin&Load Rack’s rotating feature provides easier access to all areas of the rack—minimizing the need to stretch or reposition while loading and unloading dishes. The accessory is compatible with all 24-inch Whirlpool Corporation dishwashers produced after 2018, including models from Amana, JennAir, KitchenAid, and Maytag. Its packaging is also designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a pull-tab system that enables easy one-handed unboxing.
The concept originated during an innovation challenge hosted by AVID (Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities), Whirlpool Corporation’s employee resource group. Interns were asked to create a more accessible product, sparking the idea that led to the Spin&Load Rack. Whirlpool engineers then developed prototypes, which were tested by members of the United Spinal Association during a consumer research study. Feedback from this testing directly influenced the final design. Additional usability studies were conducted with individuals from Corewell Health to ensure the product met a wide range of needs.
“To design truly inclusive products, Whirlpool made it a priority to engage the disability community throughout every phase—from ideation and engineering to packaging and marketing,” said Katie Frayer, Engineering Analyst at Whirlpool Corporation. “As an AVID member and co-host of the innovation challenge that inspired this product, I’m proud to see the Spin&Load Rack become a reality. It’s a meaningful step in our mission to support consumers with mobility limitations and create products that make a difference.”
Click here to know more.
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