Outcome of Applying Evidence-Based Design to Public Computing Centers: A Preliminary Study

Establishment of public computing centers (PCCs) has often been implemented within the digital divide framework and viewed as only stepping-stones towards preferred private access.  However, a range of research indicates the ongoing importance of PCCs to meet both private and public computing needs.  We used an evidence-based design approach to guide the implementation of a redesign of an active PCC located in an economically depressed metropolitan region of Illinois, USA.  Results indicate that physical design is critical and inseparable from the overall success of the lab, leading towards positive changes in the use and perception of the lab.