Rapid technological evolution defines the first two decades of the millennium. This phenomenon has increased the digital gap, disparities, and inequalities in global and local contexts. This paper reports a systematic literature mapping of 180 articles published from 2000 to 2021 discussing the digital gap. The documents were retrieved using boolean operations in two databases, adding terms related to gender, age, ethnicity, and disabilities, focusing on population groups that are especially vulnerable to the effects of this phenomenon. The method included categorizing the retrieved documents to provide a general view of the most concerning topics in the academic and research community. This analysis concludes (a) the approaches to address this topic are diverse, as this is a multilayered, complex, and interconnected issue; (b) many studies refer to developed countries; however, fewer are those who observe or analyze the underdeveloped regions; (c) the majority of published papers in the last decade report information and communication technologies (ICT) and their role in bridging the gap, showing an opportunity area for designing these technologies considering more accessible approaches through flexible technology approaches; (d) this study’s results are a valuable source of information to identify the design requirements for accessible products and service systems. The last section provides a detailed explanation of the findings.

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The concept “non-typical users” comprises people who experience significant digital gaps that alienate them from the benefits of technology. This issue is commonly experienced as unsatisfying interactions with technological products or devices that show not flexible possibilities as a core feature. Accordingly, this research contemplates including the needs and priorities of the non-typical users as design requirements for technological devices. The outcome of applying these considerations might allow a deeper understanding of the best way for companies and designers to cope with present changes and challenges towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. The findings will assemble a design methodology that considers usability issues, providing alternatives for the design team.