Stitching the Past with the Future: Exploring Older Adults' Intentions to Adopt Technology-Supported Crafting Activities

Crafting and maker communities are increasingly popular among older adults, but promoting technology-supported tools to this group remains challenging. This study explores the factors influencing older adults’ adoption of these tools using both qualitative and quantitative methods. We conducted a co-design workshop and interviews with 9 older adults, followed by a survey of 403 participants. Qualitative data were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach, while quantitative data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The results showed that facilitating conditions, self-actualization, and hedonic motivation significantly drive adoption intentions, while concerns like technology anxiety and self-efficacy had little impact. FsQCA revealed different paths to high adoption, with both external support and intrinsic motivation playing important roles, while ANN highlighted the importance of facilitating conditions. This study provides insights for designers and community organizers, suggesting that creating more inclusive and supportive environments can help older adults adopt technology in crafting.