Exploring co-design

Published Jan 17 2020

Our community engagement coordinator Jess Dorney held a co-design class with a group of Merri staff. The aim was to introduce what co-design is and how it can be implemented across a variety of projects. We spoke to speech pathologist Adriana and physiotherapist Nicole who attended the class.

What understanding of co-design did you have prior to the class?

Adriana:
I had a brief understanding on the benefits of including clients in the design of a program. I have previously been involved in running a focus group with clients prior to the development of a group.

Nicole:
Before this session my understanding of co-design was working together with other staff and consumers to discuss ideas by a discussion, survey etc. and design a program/product considering individuals input and feedback.

What is the biggest take away you got from the session?

Adriana:
That co-design works along a continuum which can be implemented along the entire stage of developing a program rather than only at the beginning.

Nicole:
The biggest take away from this session is co-design is involving consumers throughout the whole process. Co-design also involves more than just discussing ideas with likely participants and other staff but also considering wider range of people to contribute that may be affected by the program/product or have knowledge and past experience such as client’s carers, program organisers who have a similar program in place etc.

Can you see yourself applying what you’ve learned in future?

Adriana:
I can definitely see myself engaging with consumers in future when planning projects. I have already used the knowledge gained to implement ideas in a current program that is still in the planning stage.

Nicole:
Yes, this session emphasised the importance of engaging consumers in the planning of projects as they know what they need or want and we are more likely to develop a successful program/product that satisfies consumer’s needs if they are engaged throughout the design process and encouraged to provide feedback.