Reducing Inequalities Through Sustainable Digital Design: Assistive Technology Development for SDG 3 and SDG 10

ABSTRACT

Limited access to appropriate assistive technologies (AT) remains a major barrier to health, well‐being, and social inclusion, particularly among vulnerable and marginalised populations. Addressing this challenge is central to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well‐being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). This paper examines how participatory ergonomics, supported by digital manufacturing technologies, can contribute to more inclusive and accessible AT development. The study is based on three qualitative applied case studies developed and documented over 2 years, from 2024 to 2025, at an Assistive Technology Research and Transfer Center. The cases involved a customised protective helmet for a child with microcephaly and autism spectrum disorder, a posture correction chair for a child with cerebral palsy, and a smartphone holder for users with low vision. Participants and stakeholders included users, family caregivers, occupational and physical therapists, engineers, ergonomists, technicians, and researchers. Empirical material comprised project documentation, field notes, stakeholder feedback, prototype testing records, photographic and video records, CAD files, and manufacturing records. The findings show that digital manufacturing enables rapid adaptation and low‐cost customisation, supporting the translation of diverse user needs into ergonomic product attributes and manufacturing specifications. Scalability in AT development depends less on standardising products and more on systematising participatory and ergonomic design processes. Based on these insights, the paper proposes a framework integrating participatory ergonomics and digital manufacturing to support health‐oriented and equity‐driven AT development aligned with SDG 3 and SDG 10.