Participatory Methods for Research and Co-design

What you’ll learn

• The theory of participatory research methods, the history, background and value 

• How participatory methods support inclusive research 

• The landscape of design research including an introduction to co-design and co-creation 

• NEC digital studio’s principles for participation and how to apply them in practice 

• How and when to use participatory methods and tools, and build the confidence to use the methods in your own work across a range of contexts (in person, online, groups and as individuals) 

• The practicalities of using participatory methods, hints and tips from our years of experience and practical guidance for running co-design and group sessions 

• How to work with the outputs of participatory methods. How to make sense of and generate findings from visual and non-text data 

• How to advocate for and get started with participatory methods 

Other course information

• This course is delivered live online over 2 half days (09:30 – 13:00), with breaks 

• It’s run in a small group, with an average size of 15 people 

• The course includes some group working (please do include any additional needs in relation to this on the accessibility survey) 

• You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback from our experienced team 

• The format is approximately 60% theory and 40% practice 

• We’ll share course materials afterwards, together with recommendations for further reading 

• We also offer 1-2-1 mentoring sessions following the course to provide additional support specific to your work context  

Who should come on this course?

Anyone who would like to improve their understanding of participatory methods for research and co-design, including: 

• New researchers or designers who would like an understanding of participatory methods  

• Established researchers and designers who would like to dig a bit deeper into participatory theory and practice or refresh their skills. 

• Non-researchers or designers who are wondering if participatory methods and co-design would be suitable for their work or organisation, or who have been involved in participatory or co-design sessions and would like to improve how they support this way of working. 

We want to make sure our courses are available to everyone, so please get in touch with us about a free place if you are unemployed, on maternity leave or on a very low income. 

Do you want to learn as a group?

We can also deliver this course to your team, either online or in person, please contact us on: designschool@necsws.com for further details.

But wait…what are participatory methods?

Participatory methods enable collaboration with participants in creative and inclusive ways. They have a background in social research, design research and arts-based practices. Participatory methods and tools are designed to engage participants’ senses, allowing us to access deeper layers of knowledge and engage a wider proportion of users. They can be utilised in person, online, as individuals or groups and ensure that when we are researching or designing, we are doing so WITH our users, not FOR them.