Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Public Library Codesign Workshop Process

This article presents an evaluation of a three-workshop codesign methodology implemented for two public libraries as part of an Australian Research Council Linkage project, examining the effectiveness of the project's codesign process in supporting participants in design idea generation and expression. Data were collected through post-workshop interviews, participant surveys, and observer field notes. The findings indicated a high level of participant engagement and satisfaction, and the workshops successfully generated actionable ideas and prototypes. However, the findings also emphasised the importance of clear instructions, professional facilitation, and the use of visual tools like 3D floor planning software to enhance participant understanding and engagement. Dominant participant voices, insufficient instruction, and time limitations emerged as barriers, while collaboration and mutual learning amongst staff and users emerged as significant enablers of the codesign process. Recommendations for future codesign workshops include maintaining a balance in the workshop schedule and participant recruitment, allowing adequate time for each workshop, and simplifying activities.