Concerned as it is with the design and development of safe, effective, and efficient technologies, the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) brings a powerful, multidisciplinary approach to issues surrounding individual and collective use of information systems. Dedicated to bringing computer access and literacy to heterogeneous communities, the community networking movement shares many of these concerns: namely, making these systems not only functional but also relevant to a diverse user population. Informed by several pertinent themes—usability, participatory design, and sociotechnical systems theory—this article illustrates the benefits HCI offers to community networking. The author suggests that community network advocates should explore HCI's potential for enhancing equity, access, and participation in community computer networks.
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