Glossary
Terms used in accessibility research and practice. Each entry has a definition, common aliases, and category tags.
Search results
- 3D Printed Tactile Model(also: 3D tactile model, Tactile 3D model, 3D-printed accessibility model)
- A physical, three-dimensional object produced by additive manufacturing (for example fused deposition modelling or stereolithography) that is designed to be explored by touch rather than sight. 3D printed tactile models are used in accessibility contexts to convey information…
- 3D Printing Pen(also: 3D Pen)
- A handheld device that extrudes a quick-cooling thermoplastic filament (commonly PLA, PCL, or ABS) through a heated nozzle, leaving raised, three-dimensional lines that solidify within seconds of being drawn. In accessibility contexts, 3D pens have become a cheap and widely…
- Computer-Aided Design(also: CAD)
- The use of software to create, modify, analyse, and optimise designs for physical objects or systems. In accessibility contexts, CAD tools are critical for designing assistive technology, tactile graphics, and 3D printable models, but most commercial CAD applications rely…
- Conductive Filament(also: Conductive 3D printing filament, Conductive PLA)
- A specialized 3D printing material that conducts electricity, enabling printed objects to interact with capacitive touchscreens. In accessibility applications, conductive filament can be embedded in otherwise non-conductive 3D printed objects — such as tactile maps or overlays —…
- Fused Filament Fabrication(also: FFF, Fused Deposition Modeling, FDM)
- A 3D printing technique that creates objects by depositing melted thermoplastic filament layer by layer. FFF printers heat plastic material (commonly PLA or ABS) and extrude it through a nozzle that moves according to digital model coordinates. In accessibility applications, FFF…
- Interactive 3D Printed Model(also: I3M, Interactive Tactile Model)
- A 3D printed physical object augmented with technology that provides audio or other non-visual feedback when users touch or interact with specific areas. These models combine the tangible spatial information of a physical replica with digital annotations, typically using…
- Medical Making(also: Clinical Making)
- The practice of clinicians — particularly occupational therapists, physical therapists, and physicians — creating custom assistive devices for their patients using digital fabrication tools such as 3D printers and CAD software. Medical making extends traditional splinting and…
- Orthographic Projection(also: Parallel Projection)
- A method of representing a three-dimensional object in two dimensions by projecting its features onto a flat plane using parallel lines perpendicular to that plane, eliminating perspective distortion. In accessibility contexts, orthographic projections (typically top, front, and…
- Point Cloud
- A set of data points in three-dimensional space, where each point represents a position on the surface of an object or environment, typically captured by depth cameras, LiDAR scanners, or photogrammetry. In accessibility applications, point clouds are used to create virtual…
- Upper-Limb Prosthetic(also: Upper Limb Prosthesis, Arm Prosthetic, Hand Prosthetic)
- A prosthetic device that replaces or augments part or all of a missing upper limb — fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, or full arm. Upper-limb prosthetics range from passive cosmetic devices and body-powered cable-driven hands to externally powered myoelectric systems that read…
- e-NABLE(also: Enabling the Future)
- A global volunteer network founded in 2013 that uses 3D printing to produce free, customizable upper-limb prosthetic devices — primarily for children with limb differences who outgrow conventional prosthetics quickly. e-NABLE connects makers, designers, medical professionals,…
11 results.