Making and Accessibility: A Systematic Literature Review on the Multilayered Dimensions of Accessible Making
Saquib Sarwar, David Wilson · ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing · 2025
In recent years, the making phenomenon has shown great potential in personal design and fabrication capabilities using modern fabrication tools (e.g., 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines), personal electronics (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, sensors), and related crafting techniques. With this trend of making, people have also engaged in developing a wide variety of assistive devices (e.g., prostheses, orthotics), adaptations (e.g., cane-hanger/cup-holder for wheelchairs), and support systems (e.g., tactile braille maps). While there are some successful projects, substantive gaps remain between current traction and overall potential in the field of making and accessibility. To better understand the relationship between people with disabilities and making and identify the types of ecosystems involved in these overlapping areas of research, we conducted a systematic literature review on design-related ACM conferences between January 2010 and December 2023. Our analysis highlights the concentration of research across diverse communities, adaptations for accessible making, and the utilization of maker tools for the development of assistive devices. We also highlight trending design, development, and evaluation methodologies adopted to support collaboration between stakeholders with mixed abilities. Based on the findings of this systematic literature review, we critically reflect on the gaps and provide recommendations for future researchers and practitioners in this growing field.