Short answer
Shift from a user-as-subject mindset to a user-as-partner model, embedding lived experience directly into the core of the design and research process.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Health Expectations (2023)
- Method
- Qualitative research and reflective practice
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Involving individuals with direct lived experience in the ideation and design phases of a research project leads to more relevant and impactful outcomes. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Health Expectations. Using Qualitative research and reflective practice, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Shift from a user-as-subject mindset to a user-as-partner model, embedding lived experience directly into the core of the design and research process.
Co-creation in research yields richer insights by integrating lived experience
Involving individuals with direct lived experience in the ideation and design phases of a research project leads to more relevant and impactful outcomes.
Health Expectations · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Co-creation fosters a sense of ownership and shared purpose among participants.
- 02Integrating diverse lived experiences leads to a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.
- 03The process requires a commitment to shared power and mutual respect between all collaborators.
Application
Design takeaway
Shift from a user-as-subject mindset to a user-as-partner model, embedding lived experience directly into the core of the design and research process.
How to apply
When embarking on a design project that impacts a specific community or user group, initiate a co-design process early, involving representatives of that group as equal partners in defining the problem and developing solutions.
Project actions
- 01Identify and recruit individuals with genuine lived experience relevant to your design challenge.
- 02Facilitate workshops where participants can actively contribute ideas and shape design directions.
- 03Document the collaborative process, not just the final design.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Deeply embeds user perspectives into the design process.
- +Fosters innovation by drawing on diverse, real-world knowledge.
Limitations
Recruiting and managing a diverse group of co-designers can be time-consuming and requires strong facilitation skills. Ensuring equitable participation can be challenging.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of findings might be limited by the subjective nature of reflections. Validity is enhanced by the direct integration of lived experience, ensuring the research addresses real-world issues.
Think critically
To what extent can a design project truly be considered 'co-created' if the power dynamics between the researcher/designer and the participants are not explicitly addressed and managed?
Design Principles
"Authentic co-creation requires shared power and mutual respect, integrating lived experience from ideation to final output."
This approach ensures that research questions, methodologies, and outputs are grounded in the realities of those most affected by the subject matter. It moves beyond traditional user consultation to a deeper partnership, fostering trust and leading to more authentic and actionable findings.
What This Means for Your Design
When you design something for a specific group of people, it's much better if you actually work *with* those people from the very beginning, not just ask them questions later.
How to use in your project
- 1.Describe how you involved end-users as co-designers in your research process, detailing the methods used for ideation and design.
- 2.Reflect on the benefits and challenges of this co-creation approach in your project documentation.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The research project adopted a co-creation methodology, actively involving individuals with lived experience in the ideation and design phases. This approach, mirroring the principles of authentic co-creation, ensured that the design process was informed by direct user insights, leading to a more relevant and user-centred outcome.
Source
Health Expectations
Co‐ideation and co‐design in co‐creation research: Reflections from the ‘Co‐Creating Safe Spaces’ project
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about co-creation in research yields richer insights by integrating lived experience?
- Shift from a user-as-subject mindset to a user-as-partner model, embedding lived experience directly into the core of the design and research process. Evidence: Health Expectations (2023).
- Why does "Co-creation in research yields richer insights by integrating lived experience" matter for design?
- This approach ensures that research questions, methodologies, and outputs are grounded in the realities of those most affected by the subject matter. It moves beyond traditional user consultation to a deeper partnership, fostering trust and leading to more authentic and actionable findings.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Shift from a user-as-subject mindset to a user-as-partner model, embedding lived experience directly into the core of the design and research process.
- What were the main findings?
- Co-creation fosters a sense of ownership and shared purpose among participants.. Integrating diverse lived experiences leads to a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.. The process requires a commitment to shared power and mutual respect between all collaborators.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative research and reflective practice.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Health Expectations.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When embarking on a design project that impacts a specific community or user group, initiate a co-design process early, involving representatives of that group as equal partners in defining the problem and developing solutions.
- What are the limitations?
- The findings are specific to the context of the 'Co-Creating Safe Spaces' project and may not be directly generalizable without adaptation. The self-selected nature of the research team, all identifying with lived experience, is a specific characteristic of this study.