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.
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
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1
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.
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2
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.
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3
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.
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4
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.
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5
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
Resources Mentioned
- New Know How — Emma's capability building practice, including the Co-Design Maturity Model and Quiz
- Beyond Sticky Notes — KA McKercher's book on co-design in public purpose contexts
- Impact Policy Podcast — Episode with Jessie Robinson on co-design, collaboration and community engagement
- Dr Tristan Schultz — Aboriginal co-design practitioner with a PhD in decolonising design
About Emma
Emma Blomkamp
Director and Learning Partner, New Know How
Emma Blomkamp is the Director and Learning Partner at New Know How, where she empowers people to become changemakers through co-creation. With a PhD in community wellbeing and public policy from the University of Melbourne, she brings together academic rigour and practical wisdom to support public servants, researchers, designers, and changemakers. Based in Melbourne on Wurundjeri Country, Emma specialises in training and coaching people to work more effectively with communities to tackle complex challenges.
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