A review: accessible technology through participatory design

Abstract

Purpose The literature review presents a conceptual participatory design through accessibility technology solutions, considering the design experience to be an essential factor in communication processes. Technologies must assess a wide range of disabilities based on characterisations that helps daily activities. This work includes collaboration concepts to assist in the development of accessible technology. Collaborative design requires the fostering of communication between actors involved in the design process. Methods This work implemented with a protocol of guidelines developed by a group of experts in disability research. The relevant literature is included and assessed based on three categories: accessibility, assistive technologies, and participatory design. Results A knowledge gap can be identified: the development of assistive technology processes should enhance the voice of participants and consider their ideas, desires and needs. Conclusions Multidisciplinary communication is necessary to identify problems and propose solutions, and it is essential that people with disabilities collaborate with experts from a range of disciplines to identify problem-solving patterns. Implications for rehabilitation A participatory design can develop a holistic understanding of the participant’s motivation and rehabilitation needs. This has provided a grounded basis to offer information about the assistive technology design. A participatory work provides information about the technology design which may finally result in a better understanding of rehabilitation, other types of home-based healthcare or the gamification for rehabilitation. The rehabilitation professionals can explore requirements of a customised technology for users, which allows to transfer knowledge about disabilities and skills in rehabilitation to people with disabilities, their families and communities. The notion of a research problem in rehabilitation can be re-evaluated through a participatory design process that attempts to capture the subjective experiences of persons with disability.