Voting with their seats: computer laboratory design and the casual user

Abstract

Student computer laboratories are provided by most teaching institutions around the world; however, what is the most effective layout for such facilities? The log-in data files from computer laboratories at a regional university in Australia were analysed to determine whether there was a pattern in student seating. In particular, it was investigated whether students and academic staff usage was affected by the layout of a computer laboratory and therefore a preference by students in where they were seated. It was found that the layout of the computer laboratories does not affect which computer layout a student will use. Further, it was found that academic staff prefer to use a computer laboratory designed along a more traditional lecture room layout when working with first-year students. This research will be valuable to institutions designing new computer laboratory facilities.

Keywords:

• Computer facilities design
• Spatial behaviour
• Facility utilisation research
• Use studies

Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to Clint Zikesh (formerly CSU, Albury, now Mt Hotham) for making available his collection of data and to Neil Parsons (CSU, Wagga) and Lorraine Stephens (CSU, Bathurst) for providing layout data for the Bathurst and Wagga Wagga labs.