About
About
Brompton Washscape
Brompton Washscape Ltd is a not-for profit company that was founded by Adrian Cassidy with one goal: to create a well-designed washing machine that uniquely meets the requirements of wheelchair and limited mobility users who make up 20% of the UK/EU/US/Japanese populations, they currently have no suitable washing machines to meet their needs.
Conventional units are not user friendly, there are continual financial pressures on people, carers and support networks, the lack of personal ability to undertake simple laundry tasks feels constricting, humiliating, and demeaning.
Personal hygiene is a key indicator of well-being, and the ability for the user to clean their own clothes contributes to their self esteem, self respect, self worth, dignity and independence.
How it works
Laundry is placed on our custom-designed hangers and guided into the machine along integrated channels. From socks to bed sheets, the adaptable hanger system accommodates a wide range of items.
Users select a cycle from an intuitive menu via a Bluetooth app on their device. The machine automatically dispenses the correct type and amount of detergent based on the selected cycle and load size, with water and cleansing agents sprayed from above.
A built-in drying function completes the process, removing creases during washing and drying so items come out ready to wear — no ironing required.
Key features of
the washing machine
Ease of access, height and door
No ironing required
Bespoke hangers for all washing items
Bluetooth control through an app
Any liquid cleaning agents
I can load a washing machine for the first time, do you know how important that is?
This is the first kitchen appliance that's been designed for wheelchair users that hasn't got a big yellow and black handle on the front that screams disabled.
Those push in hangers are so easy to use - got any more clever ideas?
First prototype
2009
Recent prototype
2018
Our project
development journey
We've transitioned from a rough and ready rig to a stylish, fully functioning prototype, with assistance from Industry, designers and engineers, through a series of R&D grants.
We have designed and produced the world's first washing machine intended to meet the needs of a range of limited mobility customers- seniors, wheelchair users and allow them to wash and dry items with minimal assistance.
We've learnt a lot about soaps, sprays and hangers, and most importantly, what our target market
wanted from a washing machine.
There have been personal, financial and organisational challenges along the way, these are detailed within the relevant sections of the website.
A decision was made to proceed with Kickstarter crowdfunding, to allow us to progress, in the difficult environment.
Without funding or investment, we can’t deliver this revolutionary product, which has the potential to transform the lives of wheelchair and limited mobility users around the world. The Lead Prototype will remain an example of unfulfilled opportunity and we don’t want that, Joe at least, deserves better!
