InCLEWsIve: increasing Accessibility to the Modelling Process
Background
In recent years, modelling has become increasingly useful for supporting decision-making in designing long-term development strategies. In the literature, there is a wide range of modelling choices, ranging from simulation to optimisation, bottom-up or top-down, static or dynamic models. However, accessibility is still poorly supported, and user involvement with disabilities is limited [1]. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2023, 16% of the global population was experiencing disability [2]. People with disabilities continue to face structural, social, and systemic barriers that reinforce inequalities and limit access to education, employment, and decision-making processes. This thesis will focus on increasing accessibility for visually impaired people to the modelling process. Using the Climate-Land-Energy-Water systems framework (CLEWs) modelled with OSeMOSYS [3], [4], as a case study, the candidate will develop a methodology to make the modelling workflow more inclusive and accessible.
Objectives and tasks
The candidate will develop a methodology to improve the accessibility of the CLEWs modelling process (more information about the model can be found
here
), starting from the reference system, a graphical representation of the main system elements that forms the foundation of model development [4]. The analysis will investigate how tactile graphics, 3D printing, audio interfaces, and other assistive technologies can make this stage accessible to visually impaired users, providing the basis for extending accessibility across the entire modelling workflow.
Key tasks of the thesis are:
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Conduct a guided literature review on barriers and methods for increasing accessibility into modelling;
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Formulate research questions in line with the core scope of the thesis;
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Design a reference system. The division will cover 3D printing and material costs if needed;
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Suggest methods for extending accessibility across the entire modelling workflow;
Finally, based on the candidate’s availability, we would like to publish the results in a journal publication.
Other information
Number of students: 1-2.
Start date: Flexible, but priority will be given to earlier starts.
Duration: 5-6 months.
The project welcomes students from energy systems, sustainable development, school of architecture and the built environment or related fields. Familiarity with modelling in OSeMOSYS or CLEWs is advantageous but not mandatory. A balanced approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis will be encouraged.
Division/Department
Division of Energy Systems – Department of Energy Technology
How to apply
Send an email expressing your interest in the topic to Camilla Lo Giudice (camlg@kth.se). Please apply by sending your CV and transcript of records.
Supervisor
Examiner
References
[1] J. Michael et al., ‘Addressing Visual Impairments with Model-Driven Engineering: A Systematic Literature Review’, ACM Trans Softw Eng Methodol, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.1145/3803865.
[2] WHO, ‘Disability’. Accessed: Jul. 29, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health
[3] E. P. Ramos et al., ‘The climate, land, energy, and water systems (CLEWs) framework: a retrospective of activities and advances to 2019’, Environ. Res. Lett., vol. 16, no. 3, p. 033003, Feb. 2021, doi: 10.1088/1748-9326/abd34f.
[4] E. P. Ramos et al., ‘Climate, Land, Energy and Water systems interactions – From key concepts to model implementation with OSeMOSYS’, Environ. Sci. Policy, vol. 136, pp. 696–716, Oct. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.envsci.2022.07.007.