Co-design · Programme design
Co-design or consultation: which approach fits your community project?
The right participation approach depends on what people can shape and how decisions will be shared. Calling an activity co-design does not settle those questions.
Begin with the authority to change the proposal
Consultation invites views that inform a decision retained by the organisation. A co-design approach can involve participants more directly in developing the problem, options and design. In practice, describe the role participants will actually have rather than relying on a label.
Identify which aspects are open and who controls resources, approvals and implementation. If the organisation has already fixed the service model, be clear about the smaller choices still available. A transparent consultation may be more appropriate than inviting people to share responsibility for a design they cannot change.
Consider the relationship and commitment required
A collaborative design process needs preparation, continued involvement and a way to work through differences. Ask whether participants have enough information, support and time to contribute. Clarify expectations before seeking a commitment across several sessions.
The Disability Gateway guidelines provide practical advice on inclusive engagement, including participation arrangements and access support [1]. Use relevant guidance when designing the process. Involve people in identifying what support they need, and establish appropriate recognition or payment arrangements through the organisation’s policies.
Design the process around a real task
An illustrative service redesign could involve examining current barriers, developing alternative pathways and testing a prototype. Participants should be able to see what their involvement changes at each stage. Set aside time to revise the design between sessions and explain decisions that constrain it.
Use suitable methods for the task, such as mapping an experience, discussing alternatives or testing materials. Avoid expecting participants to disclose personal experiences in order to earn a voice. Agree how contributions will be recorded and how individuals can withdraw or raise concerns.
Commit to what happens after the sessions
Record the design decisions, unresolved questions and ownership of next steps. Explain how the organisation will respond if it cannot implement an agreed direction. A collaborative process needs a governance path as well as an engaging workshop format.
Consultation and co-design can both be useful when their purpose and limits are clear. Soft Infrastructure can support choosing and planning an approach that connects community knowledge with decisions, access and implementation. The first conversation should establish the issue, scope for influence and support available to carry the work through.
- The role and influence of participants are explicit.
- Time, access and support fit the commitment.
- Activities connect with decisions and design revisions.
- Implementation responsibilities and feedback are agreed.
Put this into practice
Community engagement and co-designRelated articles
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 9 October 2026. Numbered references support the factual statements identified in the text. The suggested workflows and illustrative scenarios are Soft Infrastructure’s practice guidance.