Co-design
We believe in the principle of “nothing about us without us” — involving the people who use or deliver a service in shaping how it’s designed.
Our co-design approach ensures that every product we create is grounded in real experiences, needs, and goals.
Co-design bridges the gap between research and lived experience. We work closely with participants to uncover needs, shape early concepts, and test ideas iteratively. This collaborative approach not only produces more effective and engaging digital solutions but also builds trust and shared ownership among everyone involved.
Through structured workshops, prototype testing, and creative ideation sessions, we help research teams turn user insights into tangible design outcomes — ensuring every decision is guided by the voices of those who matter most.
What we do
- Collaborate with patients, clinicians, and researchers to design services that meet genuine user needs.
- Facilitate workshops and interactive sessions during discovery and alpha phases to explore problems and co-create solutions.
- Use tools like empathy mapping, journey mapping, and interactive whiteboard sessions to build shared understanding.
- Apply our User Research Toolkit and the GDS Service Manual to ensure consistency, inclusivity, and rigour in our co-design work.
- Turn early insights into wireframes and prototypes that evolve through rapid feedback cycles.
Our co-design process
Outcomes
- Services and digital tools that reflect the lived experiences of their users.
- Greater user trust and engagement through early involvement and transparency.
- Designs that are more accessible, inclusive, and aligned with research and clinical needs.
In action
For the CONNECT study, we worked with the project’s Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) to co-design a mobile app that collects mental health and activity data. Through workshops, prototyping, and usability testing, participants shaped key design decisions — from interface clarity to engagement features. This collaborative approach ensured the app was both accessible and motivating, supporting sustained participant use throughout the study.
