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Universal Fridge: Shelf Out  Universal Fridge: Doors Open & Closed

Universal Fridge: Ice Dispenser  Universal Fridge: Various Shelves

    <<Mechanics Demos>>
 Track System Demonstration  Shelf Sliders Demonstration

    <<Functionality Demos>>Upper Fridge Shelf Rotation  Upper Fridge Shelf In/Out

Freezer Bin Rotation  Produce Bin In/Out

Requires Quicktime 5

Poster

Universal Fridge Poster

Brochure

Universal Fridge Brochure: Outside

 

Universal Fridge Brochure: Inside

 

Bronze Standing in the American Society on Aging's  2002 Universal Design Competition

http://www.asaging.org/awards/


  

Design Team: Ryan Majeau
                          Giselle Boisvert

Designed: December 2001

Dimensions: ??????

Challenge: To design a product for people with disabilities

Solution: The Universal Fridge, a universally accessible refrigerator, is a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer with motorized track shelf rotation, through-the-door water and ice dispenser and shelf-drawer service through each of its three compartment doors. This highly efficient fridge uses new technology in insulation. It features keypads with tactile, colorful and easily identifiable symbols. The Universal Fridge’s shelf rotation system allows a wider range of users (including those in wheelchairs) to access any and all of its contents within a comfortable range of reach and without even opening the doors. The use of compartment doors is energy efficient since less air can escape-- the doors are only open for a few seconds as the shelves slide out of the openings. The ultimate aim of this fridge was to design a product for those with special needs, but not have it look like a special needs product. We wanted users to feel less segregated, and to feel more empowered knowing that this product would allow them to do more for themselves.

Modeled and rendered in Rhino3D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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