Glossary

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3D Printing for Accessibility(also: Accessible 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing for Accessibility)

The use of 3D printing technology to create custom assistive devices, tactile materials, and accessible objects for people with disabilities. Applications include tactile graphics and maps, customized grips and handles for people with motor disabilities, braille labels,…

Candlewick Knot(also: Candlewick Stitch)

An embroidery stitch that creates raised, textured bumps or knots on the fabric surface. Candlewick knots produce one of the roughest and most tactilely distinctive textures available in machine embroidery, making them particularly valuable for tactile graphics where strong…

Cross Stitch

An embroidery technique that creates X-shaped stitches, typically arranged in a grid pattern. Cross stitch produces a distinctive tactile texture with a repetitive, regular pattern that is relatively easy to distinguish from smoother stitch types. In tactile graphic design,…

Data Physicalization(also: Physical Data Visualization)

The practice of representing data through physical, tangible objects rather than on-screen visualizations. Data physicalizations encode information in the shape, texture, size, weight, or other physical properties of objects, making data accessible through touch and spatial…

Digital Embroidery(also: Computerised Embroidery, Machine Embroidery)

Fabrication of stitched patterns on fabric using a computer-controlled embroidery machine that reads a digitised design file (e.g., DST, EXP) and drives a needle to produce precise, repeatable stitches. In accessibility work, digital embroidery is used to build tactile textile…

Embroidered Braille

Braille text produced using machine embroidery rather than traditional embossing methods. Embroidered braille uses raised stitch patterns (typically candlewick knots) to create the dots of braille cells on fabric. While embroidered braille offers the advantage of integration…

Hybrid Craft(also: Digital Craft, Computational Craft)

A making practice that combines traditional hand-craft techniques (embroidery, weaving, quilting, ceramics, woodworking) with digital fabrication tools such as computerised embroidery machines, laser cutters, or 3D printers. In accessibility and HCI research, hybrid craft is…

Laser Cutter(also: CO2 Laser Cutter)

A digital fabrication machine that uses a focused laser beam to cut or engrave flat materials such as wood, acrylic, cardboard, leather, and some plastics. Along with 3D printers and CNC routers, laser cutters are a core tool in makerspaces and community fabrication labs, and…

Machine Embroidery(also: Computerized Embroidery, Automated Embroidery)

A textile production method using computer-controlled embroidery machines to stitch patterns onto fabric based on digital design files. Machine embroidery can produce a wide variety of stitch types, textures, and densities, making it a promising medium for creating tactile…

Running Stitch(also: Back Stitch, Stem Stitch)

A basic embroidery stitch that creates a dashed or continuous line by passing the needle in and out of the fabric at regular intervals. Running stitch and its variants (back stitch, stem stitch) are fundamental line-making stitches used in embroidery. In tactile graphics,…

Satin Stitch

An embroidery stitch type that creates a smooth, flat fill by laying long or short parallel stitches closely together. Satin stitch produces a relatively smooth tactile surface and is commonly used to fill regions in both decorative and functional embroidery. In tactile…

Stitch Type(also: Stitch Pattern, Embroidery Stitch)

A specific method of forming stitches in embroidery, each producing a distinct visual and tactile result. Common stitch types include running stitch (simple dashed line), satin stitch (smooth parallel fills), cross stitch (X-shaped repeated motifs), and candlewick knots (raised…

12 results.