Tlamelo Makati

Research

Inclusive AI for Digital Accessibility

Promises and Pitfalls of Web Accessibility Overlays

"We Don't Talk Anymore"

Recent Publication

Creative Work

Explore My Work

Here’s a quick overview of my latest research, publications, and creative work

About me

I’m a PhD researcher at Technological University Dublin, focused on designing human-centred AI solutions that make digital spaces more accessible and inclusive. My work explores how AI technologies can be co-created with individuals who have lived experiences of disability to enhance digital accessibility, usability, and user experience. With a background in mechatronics engineering and hands-on experience across projects from the African Drone and Data Academy to the CAIR Lab at RIT, I combine technical expertise with participatory design practices to deliver impactful, real-world solutions. I’m also passionate about mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive innovation, working with communities, organisations, and industry teams to ensure that technology serves the people who use it. Guided by the principle “Nothing About Us Without Us,” I believe that the most effective technologies are those built in collaboration with the people who use them.

Research Focus Areas

I explore how inclusive and participatory approaches to AI design can make digital technologies more accessible, transparent, and equitable.

Inclusive Artificial Intelligence

I explore how artificial intelligence can advance accessibility when developed with people with lived experiences of disability. My work focuses on how we can co-design inclusive algorithms, data practices, and evaluation frameworks that centre human experience.

Participatory Design

My research employs participatory design methods to engage diverse stakeholders in understanding how we can co-design AI tools for digital accessibility. Together, we shape requirements and protocols that reflect real-world accessibility needs.

I investigate how people understand and interact with AI-driven accessibility tools, developing explainable models and design frameworks that build user trust and confidence in intelligent systems.

Explainable & Human-Centred Technology