Digital equity is imperative for realizing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG9 and SDG10. Recent empirical studies indicate that Design for Digital Equity (DDE) is an effective strategy for achieving digital equity. However, before this review, the overall academic landscape of DDE remained obscure, marked by substantial knowledge gaps. This review employs a rigorous bibliometric methodology to analyze 1705 DDE-related publications, aiming to delineate DDE’s research progress and intellectual structure and identify research opportunities. The retrieval strategy was formulated based on the PICo framework, with the process adhering to the PRISMA systematic review framework to ensure transparency and replicability of the research method. CiteSpace was utilized to visually present the analysis results, including co-occurrences of countries, institutions, authors, keywords, emerging trends, clustering, timeline analyses, and dual-map overlays of publications. The results reveal eight significant DDE clusters closely related to user-centered design, assistive technology, digital health, mobile devices, evidence-based practices, and independent living. A comprehensive intellectual structure of DDE was constructed based on the literature and research findings. The current research interest in DDE lies in evidence-based co-design practices, design issues in digital mental health, acceptance and humanization of digital technologies, digital design for visually impaired students, and intergenerational relationships. Future research opportunities are identified in DDE’s emotional, cultural, and fashion aspects; acceptance of multimodal, tangible, and natural interaction technologies; needs and preferences of marginalized groups in developing countries and among minority populations; and broader interdisciplinary research. This study unveils the multi-dimensional and inclusive nature of methodological, technological, and user issues in DDE research. These insights offer valuable guidance for policy-making, educational strategies, and the development of inclusive digital technologies, charting a clear direction for future research.
Stored only when both papers are in the corpus — 6 citations exist upstream.