“It all keeps coming back to purpose. When we are wanting to make decisions about should we co-design, what kind of co-design, how do we do things, it's coming back to the purpose of what you're doing. If we can get clear on that individually and collectively, that can help guide our decisions.”
Co-Design and the Guiding Role of "Purpose"
Emma Blomkamp · Director and Learning Partner, New Know How
About this episode
We throw the word co-design around a lot, but what does that little "co" really mean? In this episode, Emma Blomkamp helps us unpack the language, myths, and maturity of co-design, exploring when it works, when it doesn't, and how systems thinking intersects with design practice. Drawing on years of experience in social innovation, facilitation, and capability building, Emma reminds us that it all comes back to one thing: purpose.
Key takeaways
Co-design doesn't require a blank slate
Understanding the scope and constraints of your process early on is a crucial part of genuine co-design, not a barrier to it.
The "co" is about power
It's less about the label you use and more about whether you're genuinely widening access and participation for people who are most affected.
Purpose should guide your decisions
Getting clear on why you're co-designing (the outcome, not the output) helps determine what approach is right for your context.
Context and history matter
Communities aren't blank slates. Past experiences of being "done to" by government or organisations shape how new co-design efforts will be received.
Not every problem needs co-design
If the solution is already specified, there's no time or resources, or you're in crisis mode, co-design probably isn't the right approach.
Topics covered
- Co-design
- Systemic design
- Systems thinking
- Participatory design
- Capability building
- Social innovation
- Public sector