To continue the discussion from yesterday, I’d like to put forth the first in what will hopefully be an ongoing series of refinements, based on input from the group.

To briefly recap this effort’s intent, Co-creation (or Design Thinking) is currently viewed through multiple lenses, which can be confusing when discussing the topic with others who have different experiences with the subject.  By visually framing the various levels of Co-creation and its supporting principles, a common understanding of the topic could be achieved and the ability to apply it in multiple types of situations could be enhanced.

Proposed Co-Creation (Design Thinking) Framework

Originally, the Co-Creation Framework (see below) closely mirrored that of the Toyota diagram.

However, as seen in the revised model below, Problem Solving has been eliminated as a stand-along category, having been rolled into the Process category.  The reason for this update is that Problem Solving and Process are both focused on a common goal – leveraging participation by all stakeholders to address a challenge and develop a solution.

As a result, the sub principles have also been rolled together to reflect a more holistic process.  Principles in bold letters have either been moved or newly added.  (As mentioned previously, “organization” refers to any group of people who are brought together with a common goal.)

Philosophy

• Base organizational decisions on a long-term, human-centered philosophy that considers the welfare of people and their environment, in addition to the welfare of the organization.

Process

• Consider the entire experience of all affected stakeholders (internal, external)
• Go see for yourself to thoroughly understand the situation
• Visualize ideas instead of verbalizing them
• Build physical prototypes to quickly test ideas – only develop them to the level required to answer the question
• Iterate repeatedly
• Ensure that Sustainability is included as a decision making criteria when evaluating various options.
• Involve all critical stakeholders in decisions and thoroughly consider all options; implement rapidly

People & Partners

• Grow leaders who understand Co-creation, live the philosophy, and can teach it to others
• Empower internal staff and involve external stakeholders in the creation of potential solutions
• Become a learning organization through ongoing reflection and continuous improvement
• Respect, develop, and challenge your people and teams
• Respect, challenge, and involve your external stakeholders

Next Steps

As mentioned previously, our collective efforts could evolve into a robust organizational structure over time that others could use to drive Co-Creation within their organizations, as well as informing the creation of DIY Co-Creation toolkit templates.

In the meantime, IDEO has developed an award-winning “Human Centered Design Toolkit” for NGO’s and social enterprises to use in conducting their own projects.  Their approach is heavily reliant on Co-Creation and could serve as an example for groups to adapt to their own purposes.

http://www.ideo.com/work/item/human-centered-design-toolkit

About Pam Nyberg