Co-creation
in action
This section provides you with real examples of different aspects of co-creation in use, including design thinking, the three co’s framework and a co-design example.
Click on the links below to watch the talks and get inspired by our stories of co-creation!
Top tips for doing co-creation
The top tips from the Pearce & Magee 2024 paper
- Those who take part in cocreation processes are recommended to be called co-creators, as people that can create either a barrier or help an output be successful. This could include ‘end-users’, management, designers, practitioners, funders etc.
- Co-creation shouldn’t be about ‘empowerment’ per se, but instead be about facilitating people and provide space to harness the power they already have.
- Co-creation can be a useful approach for management to buy into because in the long term, an output being developed using this method is more likely to meet the needs of those receiving, producing, delivering and financing it, and therefore increasing chances of long-term success.
- The ‘pass-the-parcel’ method of co-creation, as well as utilising online and hybrid delivery methods can be a useful way of including a wider range of groups internationally across disciplines.
- There can be benefits to co-creation facilitators being actively involved in the co-creation and this should be discussed with the other co-creators.
- Neutral co-creation spaces can reduce the feeling of power imbalance between co-creators.
- Co-creation rules should be established together early in the process, and re-assessed as people leave and join the co-creation team.
- Responsibility should be explicitly discussed and shared among the co-creation team to ensure that the facilitator is not burdened with implementing all of the planned actions and the co-created output is sustainable.
More tips from the Co-Creating wellbeing partners and curriculum pilot attendees
Preparing to co-create
Spend some time studying the context where you are going to act, including where the outcome may need to be embedded.
Take time to consider who is in the co-creation group; this is the key to the success of co-creation processes. Consider involving local communities and welcome diversity.
Involve all relevant parties as co-creators from the start and ensure diversity of stakeholders: end-users, experts, etc.
Reflect on how your co-creators should be involved, their motivations, and what could prevent them from engaging.
Be aware that co-creation can take more time to set up at the beginning of the process compared to traditional project design and management. However, the benefit of co-creation is that it aims to reduce the time needed to change things once they are set up because the outputs are more suitable.
Plan the tools that will be used in the process. Using appropriate co-creation tools and interactive methods naturally brings out shared ideas, narratives and group creativity. These can include exchanges of experiences inside and outside.
During co-creation
Define the role of the facilitator with the co-creators (e.g., actively involved as a co-creator or purely facilitating them in their co-creation process)
Ensure all co-creators share a common understanding and strategic vision of the project and clearly define the project’s objectives (what needs does the project address and what limitations are you working within?). This can help the group’s motivation.
Keep an open and flexible perspective throughout the process: it is perfectly natural to encounter both advances and setbacks in the search for the best solutions to problems. Focus on how to handle the changes needed.
Think big but be practical.
Make sure to acknowledge the co-creators as the experts and value their knowledge.
Look to ensure all co-creators voices and ideas are heard. Look to use the co-creation tools to help facilitate this, e.g., encouraging everyone to write and discuss thoughts rather than one person leading the note taking or discussion.
Encourage co-creators to be open-minded, think outside the box and take the initiative of developing new ideas. It increases the motivation and interest in the co-creation focus.
Encourage co-creators to work together collaboratively being involved in an active way
Discuss and encourage active listening among the co-creators.
Spend time in the co-planning and co-defining phases, analysing the risks/needs/resources first before moving forwards to find solutions.
It is important for co-creators to remember that it is valuable to take decisions based on insights and unfinished knowledge.
Establish indicators to evaluate the process and outcomes. Self-reflection and group reflection are at the heart of monitoring and evaluating co-creation processes.
