Title: Investigating environments of university makerspaces: perspectives on environment preference approaches

Authors: Wisuwat Wannamakok

Addresses: College of Business, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Nan-Tai Street, Yongkang Dist., Tainan City 710, Taiwan

Abstract: This study draws upon the four determinants of environmental preferences to examine how to design spaces that can attract like-minded university students to innovate within. Images of eight different makerspaces are presented to a valid sample of 303 university students from Engineering, Design, and Non-Engineering and Design majors to understand their perspectives related to space preferences. ANOVA is used to investigate differences of student preferences. Using the same questionnaire given to the students, 30 lecturers were asked to reaffirm perceptions of environmental preferences, including the benefits and limitations of implementing makerspaces in universities. Results show that students and lecturers indicate the highest preference for the same two images, wherein the spaces are considered mysterious and inspire an evident level of intrigue, leaving one wanting to see or learn more about the space. As such, this study sheds new light on designing makerspaces to attract more innovators, especially in the Asian context.

Keywords: makerspaces; environmental preference; university student; psychological preference; innovative space; Asian context; university makerspaces; makers; hobbyists.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2020.112055

Journal of Design Research, 2020 Vol.18 No.1/2, pp.80 - 95

Received: 28 Dec 2019
Accepted: 31 Aug 2020
Published online: 23 Dec 2020 *

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