Exploring the attributes of assistive technology innovations and applications within the built environment for disability well-being: a scoping review and bibliometric analysis (ScorBA)

OBJECTIVE: By 2050, about 3.5 billion people will require assistive technologies, with over 2.5 billion already rely on multiple devices to support their participation in the built environment. There is a need to develop an integrated and inclusive built environment that effectively incorporates assistive technology innovations, extending beyond design considerations to encompass broader aspects of interoperability. However, the significance of this issue and the trend of assistive technology innovations within the built environment remain underexplored. Given this context, this study aims to explore the attributes of assistive technology innovation and applications within the built environment to support disability well-being. METHODS: This study employs a scoping review and bibliometric analysis to examine the research landscape surrounding assistive technology and the built environment, based on 181 documents retrieved from the Scopus database. RESULTS: Overall, this review indicates that the integration of assistive technology and the built environment is highly contextual, involving users, technologies, applications, application themes, and the built environment types. Certain innovations require the integration of diverse technologies and multidisciplinary expertise. However, not all assistive technologies require integration with the built environment, as certain technologies are capable of functioning independently. IMPACTS: This study collectively highlights the transformative impact of assistive technology innovations. Further research is needed to establish clear parameters for integrating assistive technology into the built environment to support the well-being of persons with disabilities. Overall, the findings advocate for a holistic, interdisciplinary, and user-driven approach to assistive technologies across all built environments to promote inclusivity.