Rethinking Interdependence in HCI: A Systematic Literature Review for Understanding its Use in Accessibility Studies

Interdependence has long been a core concept in Disability Studies and activism, offering a critical response to dominant ideals of independence. While Bennett et al.’s work introduced interdependence into accessibility research in HCI by linking it with research and design practices, the extent to which HCI has meaningfully engaged with the theoretical and political roots of the concept remains unclear. In this literature review, we systematically analyze 70 HCI accessibility papers that engage with the concept of interdependence. Guided by the PRISMA framework, we investigate how interdependence is conceptualized and applied in HCI, identifying strengths and shortcomings of current conceptualizations. Our findings reveal that interdependence is used across a range of use cases that broaden its scope, but that integration remains partial and fragmented, often disconnected from its origins in Disability Studies and activism. We conclude by calling for a more meaningful integration of interdependence into HCI accessibility research.