Co-creation rules of engagement

Co-creation involves bringing diverse stakeholders together to develop solutions that everyone supports and values. It’s an approach that I’ve successfully used in numerous projects over many years, so I can attest to its benefits.

To help people facilitate the co-creation approach, the SDG Lab has put forward a list of co-creation rules of engagement as part of a new toolkit developed to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The co-creation rules of engagement are:

• Gather different stakeholders from different sectors. Their diverse experiences and viewpoints foster solutions that are relevant and impactful.

• Ensure everyone contributes. All voices should be heard regardless of experience, background and role.

• Aim for quantity over quality. The goal is to generate a lot of ideas — prioritization and viability come later.

• Think blue sky. Move beyond the perceived limitations of your organization and environment.

• Promote active listening. When other people are talking, take notes and jot down questions.

• Build on each other’s ideas rather than knocking them down. Instead of saying ‘no’ try ‘yes, and…’.

• Share ideas in a visual and engaging way: drawing, acting, building… any action that motivates people to move and try new things.

• Turn on FOCUS mode. Discourage the use of phones and computers. Respect the time people have blocked and be present.

• Use simple visuals to transform your space. Posters, easel boards and sticky notes are low-cost ways to create a friendly and informal environment.

Also published on Medium.