Key principles for co-design
Share power
When differences in power are unacknowledged and unaddressed, the people with the most power have the most influence over decisions, regardless of the quality of their knowledge or ideas. To change that, we must share power in research, decision-making, design, delivery and evaluation. Without sharing power, there is no co-design.
Prioritise relationships
Co-design isn’t possible without relationships, social connection and trust among co-designers, funders and organisers of co-design initiatives. Trust between people paves the way for conversations where we confront the metaphorical elephant in the room (or a whole stampede of them, in some cases). You can’t buy trust; it can only be earned – the better the social connection, the better the process and outputs.
Use participatory means
Co-design provides many ways for people to take part and express themselves, for example, through visual, kinaesthetic and oral approaches, instead of relying on writing, slideshows and long reports. Participatory approaches aren’t about relaying information; they’re about facilitating self-discovery and moving people from participants to active partners.
Build capability
Many people require support and encouragement to adopt new ways of being and doing, learn from others, and have their voices heard. To support that, designers can move from ‘expert’ to coach. In co-design, everyone has something to teach and something to learn.