A1 Journal article (refereed)
How digital fabrication technologies within digitalized innovation environments lead to participative aid development (2022)
Hellwig, L., Preissner, L., Pawlowski, J., & Deiters, W. (2022). How digital fabrication technologies within digitalized innovation environments lead to participative aid development. Journal of Enabling Technologies, 16(3), 219-230. https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-01-2022-0013
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Hellwig, Lukas; Preissner, Lisa; Pawlowski, Jan; Deiters, Wolfgang
Journal or series: Journal of Enabling Technologies
ISSN: 2398-6263
eISSN: 2398-6271
Publication year: 2022
Publication date: 14/07/2022
Volume: 16
Issue number: 3
Pages range: 219-230
Publisher: Emerald
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/jet-01-2022-0013
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Abstract
Facilities such as FabLabs and Makerspaces are characterized by the facilities' wide range of digital fabrication technologies as well as facilities' interdisciplinary user base and collaborative problem solving and product development. These possibilities can also hold great potential for people with disabilities who have a specific need for assistive technology. Since there are no established models of such participatory development processes (PDP) within digitalized innovation environments (DIE), this study intends to provide a comprehensive understanding of these processes along with the influencing factors.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a cooperation with a Thalidomide Association, various PDPs were accompanied within a DIE and interviews were conducted with 16 stakeholders involved. Hereby, the perspective of thalidomide-affected people (5) as well as the supporting makers (6) and experts (5) were taken into account. Through a subsequent structured analysis, various dimensions as well as relevant influencing factors could be identified.
Findings
In total, 33 paraphrases could be formed in 8 categories and four dimensions concerning the PDPs investigated. In addition, 17 paraphrases on potentials and challenges could be extracted through generalization.
Originality/value
Due to findings' holistic approach, the findings form an empirical basis for further research into this still very young research topic and represent a first step toward theory building. By the applicability of the identified influencing factors an important contribution can be made to the supply of aids and the inclusion of people with disabilities.
Keywords: innovation environment; innovations; product development; aids (implements); technological development; development (active); social inclusion; participation; users; disabled people
Free keywords: digitalized innovation environment; participatory development process; FabLab; assistive technology development; digital fabrication; cocreation
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2022
JUFO rating: 1
