Exploring Digital Fabrication Methods for Physical Prototyping
Researching how knitted textiles can be designed as interactive interfaces for individuals with accessibility needs.
Currently Recruiting Participants
What if the sweater you wear or the cushion on your seat could become an interactive part of your everyday life? Researchers in the School of Computing at Queen’s University are exploring knitted and fabric-based interfaces designed with and for people with accessibility needs, and we’re inviting participants to take part.
Location: Providence Care, Providence Care Hospital site, Kingston, Ontario
Interested in participating? Email: p.khorsandi@queensu.ca
About this Study
This research explores the novel design space of interactive knitted wearables and home objects by investigating how people with accessibility needs (e.g., visual/hearing impairments, motor control, mobility-related disabilities, etc.) want to interact with them, and how these interactive knitted interfaces could help them in both functional and experiential aspects through user-centered design.Â
A common misconception is that assistive technology just needs to work and function is all that matters. In practice, people often abandon devices that feel clinical or draw unwanted attention. This research treats comfort, aesthetics, and personal expression as essential, not optional, which is why fabric soft, familiar, and already part of everyday life is such a promising medium.Â
We’re looking for (e.g., visual/hearing impairments, motor control, mobility-related disabilities, etc.) to take part in a study exploring accessible digital fabrication and physical prototyping.Â
Could This Study Be Right for Me?
What is the eligibility?
You may be eligible if you:Â
- 18 years of age or olderÂ
- Self-identify as having one or more disabilities (e.g., visual/hearing impairments, motor control, mobility-related disabilities, etc.)Â Â
- Closely connected to someone with accessibility needs (e.g., family member, partner, caregiver, teacher, mentor or close friend). Â
- Be able to attend in-person visits at Providence Care HospitalÂ
You may not be eligible if you:Â
- Â Are under the age of 18 as they cannot legally provide informed consent and are unable to provide informed consent independently.Â
- Are individual for whom participation would cause undue discomfort or distress that cannot be reasonably accommodatedÂ
What does participation involve?
Time Commitment:
- a hands-on session (up to two hours)Â
- a follow-up interview (up to one hour).Â
Visits (If more than one visit, provide description of objective of each one)Â
- Onsite hands-on session Â
- Onsite/Online follow-up interviewÂ
Study ActivitiesÂ
- Sessions are in person and designed to support participant comfort and accessibility needs. Participants may complete: Â
- Hands-on prototyping session with fabric-based or wearable prototypesÂ
- A follow-up interview (up to one hour).Â
Are mediciations necessary?
No treatment or medicationsÂ
What are the potential benefits or risks?
- To treat comfort, aesthetics, and personal expression as essential to personal well-being, which is why we integrate fabrics: soft, familiar, and already part of everyday life.
- To explore how knitted textiles can be designed as interactive interfaces for people with accessibility needs, supporting both functional interaction and richer experiential engagement.
Potential Risks: None
What is the compensation for this study?
All Participants will receive $30 compensation for their time
How to participate?
Contact Pouya Khorsansi at p.khorsandi@queensu.ca or complete this  form.
Study Information
Item  | Details  |
TRAQ #Â | 6045739Â |
Study Title  | GCOMP-131-23: Exploring Digital Fabrication Methods for Physical Prototyping with People with Accessibility Needs |
Supervisor  | Dr. Sara Nabil |
Status | Recruiting |
Review Type | Full Board/Delegated |
Date Ethics Approval Issued | Feb.19, 2026 |
Date of Expiry of Ethics Approval:Â | Feb. 19, 2027Â Â |
Contact Information
Contact Pouya Khorsansi at p.khorsandi@queensu.caÂ
Ethical Approval
This study received approval from the Queen’s University General Research Ethics Board Feb 19, 2026.
