Whirlwind Wheelchair International focuses on 3rd World wheelchair design. Great need exists and the lack of production tends to foster cooperative design. Whirlwind's philosophy is to exchange information to develop products. The organization eschews patenting its designs, preferring to disseminate its findings broadly. Wheelchair riders themselves are involved in the design and manufacture of the devices they use.
Most major innovations come from wheelchair riders themselves.
The Whirlwind design process champions low cost, hand built, inexpensive tooling. Wheelchairs are developed and evaluated by users. Networking is encouraged. Whirlwind's work has the potential to benefit US wheelchair riders and builders. The Zimbabwe Wheel is useful to international wheelchair travelers.