Understanding makerspace continuance: A self-determination perspective

Makerspaces are informal physical spaces located in community settings or educational institutions where people immerse themselves in creative making. Makerspaces hold incredible potential for fostering essential skills needed for the future and are increasing in number worldwide. Previous research has identified many diverse makerspace initiatives and has demonstrated their potential, but few research has examined makerspace sustainability. Makerspace sustainability is a significant issue as diminished participation, activity, utilization, and retention limit its success. This study examines makerspace sustainability by understanding which factors influence makerspace continuance intention. This study proposes and empirically tests a conceptual framework based on self-determination theory to identify the motivations of makerspace users. An analysis of data collected from 121 South Korean makerspace users indicates that makerspace environmental support is significantly related to a makerspace user's basic psychological needs. Those psychological needs positively impact intrinsic motivation, which ultimately influences makerspace continuance intention. This research has several implications for academics while recommendations are proposed that have immediate application for practitioners which are informed by the study results.