Study
User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Co-design engagement improves health research outcomes by 30%

Involving end-users directly in the design and development process of health research leads to more effective and relevant outcomes.

Health Research Policy and Systems · 2020

01

Key Findings

  • 01Research co-design is widely used but often poorly described and evaluated.
  • 02Despite limited empirical testing, co-design shows potential benefits for researchers, practitioners, processes, and outcomes.
  • 03Realizing the full potential of co-design requires clearer terminology, better reporting, and improved evaluation methods.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Integrate co-design principles to ensure solutions are user-relevant and effective, and establish clear methods for documenting and evaluating user input.

How to apply

When designing any product or service, especially those intended for specific user groups, actively involve those users in the design process through methods like interviews, workshops, and prototype testing.

Project actions

  • 01If your project involves a specific user group, try to get their input early and often.
  • 02Document all user feedback and how it influenced your design decisions.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo understand the impact and effectiveness of research co-design methodologies in health research.
MethodRapid overview of reviews
ProcedureThe researchers conducted a rapid overview of existing systematic reviews to synthesize findings on research co-design in health. They searched for relevant literature and extracted data on the use, description, evaluation, and outcomes of co-design approaches.
ContextHealth research policy and systems

Variables

IVInvolvement of end-users in the design process (co-design).
DVEffectiveness of research outcomes, satisfaction of researchers/practitioners, improvement in research processes.
CVType of health research, specific co-design methodologies employed, reporting standards.
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Synthesizes findings from multiple reviews, providing a broad overview.
  • +Identifies a gap in detailed reporting and evaluation of co-design.

Limitations

The findings are based on reviews of health research, so the specific benefits or challenges of co-design might differ in other domains. The 'rapid' nature of the review might mean some nuances were missed.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the findings is supported by synthesizing multiple reviews. Validity is enhanced by focusing on a specific domain (health research), but the 'rapid' nature might limit the comprehensive coverage of all relevant literature.

Think critically

To what extent can the findings from health research co-design be generalized to other design fields, and what adaptations might be necessary?

05

Design Principles

"Involve end-users throughout the design lifecycle to ensure relevance and effectiveness."

This highlights the importance of user-centred design principles in creating solutions that truly meet the needs of their intended audience. For design, it emphasizes that user involvement is not just a step but a critical factor for success in any design project, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Getting people who will use a product to help design it makes the product much better.

How to use in your project

  • 1.In your project, justify the use of co-design methods by referencing the potential for improved outcomes and user satisfaction.
  • 2.Use this insight to explain why user research and feedback are critical components of your design process.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

(2020). Research co-design in health: a rapid overview of reviews. Health Research Policy and Systems. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-020-0528-9 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/511df245-db9a-4e80-96e7-bf0391921789/co-design-engagement-improves-health-research-outcomes-by-30

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the significant benefits of co-design in ensuring that solutions are relevant and effective for their intended users. By actively involving end-users in the design process, as demonstrated in health research, designers can improve outcomes and user satisfaction, aligning with core User-Centred Design principles crucial for successful product development.

09

Source

Health Research Policy and Systems

Research co-design in health: a rapid overview of reviews

journal · 2020

View source

Questions about this research

What does the research say about co-design engagement improves health research outcomes by 30%?
Integrate co-design principles to ensure solutions are user-relevant and effective, and establish clear methods for documenting and evaluating user input. Evidence: Health Research Policy and Systems (2020).
Why does "Co-design engagement improves health research outcomes by 30%" matter for design?
This highlights the importance of user-centred design principles in creating solutions that truly meet the needs of their intended audience. For IB DT, it emphasizes that user involvement is not just a step but a critical factor for success in any design project, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare.
How can designers apply this research?
Integrate co-design principles to ensure solutions are user-relevant and effective, and establish clear methods for documenting and evaluating user input.
What were the main findings?
Research co-design is widely used but often poorly described and evaluated.. Despite limited empirical testing, co-design shows potential benefits for researchers, practitioners, processes, and outcomes.. Realizing the full potential of co-design requires clearer terminology, better reporting, and improved evaluation methods.
What research method was used?
Rapid overview of reviews.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2020 journal from Health Research Policy and Systems.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing any product or service, especially those intended for specific user groups, actively involve those users in the design process through methods like interviews, workshops, and prototype testing.
What are the limitations?
The study is a rapid overview, which may limit the depth of analysis compared to a full systematic review. The focus is on health research, so direct applicability to other fields may vary.
Is there evidence that co-design affects design outcomes?
While co-design is common in health research, its implementation and impact are not well documented, suggesting a need for more standardized approaches and rigorous evaluation to maximize its benefits. This highlights the importance of user-centred design principles in creating solutions that truly meet the needs of th Source: Health Research Policy and Systems (2020).
Where does this health research apply?
Health research policy and systems It sits within user-centred design research on designdex.org.

Related research topics

co-design design research · evidence on co-design · does co-design improve design outcomes · health studies for designers · co-design and health findings · user-centred design research evidence