The fundamentals for co-design

Yes – if a decision has already been made and there is no chance to influence the outcome, this project cannot be co-designed. You can and should still involve, consult and inform consumers through your project, but you need to clearly communicate that this is not co-design and that consumers will not be able to influence the solution. Resources on the Metro North Consumer Engagement website (QH only), including the Inclusive Engagement Toolkit, may be useful to guide your consumer engagement. Consider whether there is possibility for co-design in future projects.

However, co-design is still possible if there is a chance for consumers to influence the outcome or parts of the project in some way. This means taking the original solution off the table and investing the time to create the mindset and build relationships for co-design.  If you are too invested in your own ideas and solutions, this can undermine co-design. Taking the time to listen and consider other solutions will start to balance the power in the co-design team, providing the freedom to come up with ideas together and the opportunity to 'co-decide'.

No - continue.

Yes - great, continue.

No - this project cannot be co-designed as there is no consensus or 'co-deciding' on the problem, challenge or opportunity to be addressed. It is important to engage with people with lived experience to understand what they think needs improving in your service. This is the start of building relationships and trust and creating the conditions for co-design.

Not sure - this is a great opportunity to engage with the community, as it could be a promising project to co-design.

Yes - great, continue.

No - this project will be challenging to move beyond a theoretical exercise, as without resources (such as funding) or commitment, no solution can be created or made.

However, there are evolving funding opportunities and priorities that may mean you can pursue your project in the future.

Not sure - see Funding and time for 'How can co-design be funded in Metro North?'

Yes - great, continue.

No - this project will not be able to be co-designed, unless there is a budget to pay consumers and community for their contributions. There may be ways to secure additional funding or readjust budgets to allow for payment of consumers/ community. See Funding and time for more information.

Yes - great, continue.

No – having a skilled and impartial facilitator is critical to co-design. Without it, there can be an imbalance in power dynamic and co-deciding may be limited. This person should be external to your project (to avoid any vested interest in the outcomes) and where possible, they should be external to your service. See The right facilitator for more information.

Not sure yet - see The Right Facilitator for more information

No – great, that will allow for decisions to be made together and shared learning to occur. Co-design requires participants to recognise and value expertise in many forms, including the lived experience of consumers.

-- END OF QUIZ --

Sounds like you are ready to get started. Click through to “The co-design team" to find out who you need on your team.