Sustaining the Usefulness and Appeal of an Older Adult-led Makerspace through Developing and Adapting Resources

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-23-2024

Abstract

Researchers are studying makerspaces as one way to support older adults in learning about and using new technologies and tools. In this paper, through a long-term (34 months), ethnographic approach, we study the ways that older adults arranged sociotechnical resources to sustain the community use of a makerspace. Our analysis identifies three interconnected resources that were developed: an adaptive staffing approach that could withstand constant personnel shifts and shortages; structured activities to draw interest and overcome challenges associated with learning to use the machines; and reference materials to support individuals in independent usage of the space. We describe the issues that arose as time went on with each of these resource types, and how individuals affiliated with the makerspace adapted the resources to address these issues. In the discussion, we extend best practices by reflecting on strategies that worked well in the makerspace, such as drawing interest through introductory classes, as well as different purposes for reference materials to support technology use.

Identifier

85193377279 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1145/3637401

e-ISSN

25730142

Issue

CSCW1

Volume

8

Fund Ref

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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