The goal of Hardwarex is to recognize the time and effort that researchers have invested in developing the scientific infrastructure, while providing users with enough information to replicate and verify the advances presented. Open to input from all scientific, technical, and medical disciplines and the broadest interpretation of scientific infrastructure, including hardware modifications to existing infrastructure, tools and sensors to perform measurements and other functions (e.g., wearables, air quality sensors, low-cost alternative tools, etc.), and the creation of entirely new tools for standard or novel laboratory tasks.

Authors are encouraged to submit hardware developments that address all aspects of science, not just the final measurements, such as sample preparation and handling, user safety, and quality control improvements. The journal encourages the use of distributed digital manufacturing strategies (such as 3D printing), and all designs must be submitted under an open source hardware license.