Inclusivity & Accessibility

Student: Angelos Gogonis, 2022-2023

Sponsor: Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, MI

Whirlpool Corporation is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company. In today’s digital and rapidly-evolving world, consumers with disabilities often encounter challenges when interacting with products designed for non-disabled persons and often feel left behind. Whirlpool values inclusion and diversity and is dedicated to constantly improving life at home for ALL consumers.

Over 15% of the world’s population is living with some sort of disability, equating to approximately 1 billion people, and this number is rising. The current appliance standards recommended by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) do not address every consumer need and thus introduce consumer challenges. Whirlpool Corporation needs assistance in helping consumers with disabilities access Whirlpool products without imposing significant costs. Through extensive consumer interviews, market analyses, financial projections, and more, this project will serve as a prototype so that Whirlpool can remain committed to being the best kitchen and laundry company worldwide.