Co-design is a collaborative approach to research that involves actively engaging end-users and stakeholders throughout the research process. In the context of research translation, co-design aims to bridge the gap between research findings and real-world application by ensuring that the perspectives, needs, and experiences of key stakeholders are incorporated into the design and implementation of research projects. By actively involving stakeholders from diverse backgrounds—including community members, policymakers, practitioners, and industry representatives—co-design facilitates the creation of solutions that are contextually relevant, culturally sensitive, and sustainable.
Through co-design, research translation becomes a dynamic, iterative process characterised by meaningful engagement and collaboration. By centering the needs and perspectives of end-users, co-design ensures that research outputs are not only scientifically rigorous but also practical, usable, and impactful in addressing real-world challenges.
In our eighth topic of the HTSA Spotlight Series, we delve into the world of co-design, where we will hear from co-design experts, researchers and health service directors who will share their practical tips, examples, and learnings. Register below!
Below you will find a collection of resources that were shared on the HTSA LinkedIn page over the course of the Spotlight Series on co-design. You will also find resources that were shared as part of the presentations in the webinars. Happy reading!
General information on co-design:
Beyond Sticky Notes: view their courses, podcasts, resources and book on co-design
IDEO: learn all about design thinking
IDEOU – 10 co-design activities
Harold Nelson (author of the Design Way) – thoughts on the use of design
This is Design thinking: List of resources books and tools
Creativity-based Research: The Process of Co-Designing with Users
Metro North Health (QLD): creating better healthcare together
Books and publications on co-design:
Design thinking for the greater good: Innovation in the social sector, by Jeanne Liedtka
Design thinking as an approach for innovation in healthcare
The design way, by Harold Nelson
Books and publications on co-design with First Nations:
Key principles and best practices for co-design with first nations Australians
South Australian Aboriginal Health Accord: companion document
Lowitja Institute Tools for supporting culturally safe evaluation
Links to projects discussed on webinars:
Rebecca Farletti (Health and wellbeing Queensland) PodSquad
Fanke Peng (UniSA) Design for Dementia, Mental Health and Wellbeing Co-Design, Interventions and Policy
Join us for the first Spotlight Series of 2024, on the topic of co-design.
This week we will be asking: What is co-design and are we asking the right questions?
This week we delve into the benefits and challenges of co-design with some case studies from a co-design expert, a research manager and a research team.
This week we explore the practicalities of leading a co-design process with First Nations peoples.
This week we will hear from health service directors and learn from their experience on "what co-design is NOT".
Are you orienting your research towards influencing policy and making an impact? If you are yet to consider this, join us for our Spotlight Series on Research-Policy Partnerships to learn more.
Interested in understanding more about Patient Reported Measures? Explore the June/July 2023 Spotlight Series, co-hosted by the Commission on Excellence & Innovation in Health.
Health economics helps us understand how healthcare services are produced, consumed, and financed. Learn more from our special guests in the first Spotlight Series for 2023.