Co-creation is a collaborative approach to research wherein researchers work directly with the people, communities, and sectors affected by an issue to jointly define problems, design and test ideas, and evaluate outcomes. While co-creation is often used to describe collaboration between academic and non-academic partners, it can also take place between researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds who work together as equal partners to shape the direction, methods, and interpretation of research. In all cases, co-creation seeks to integrate multiple forms of expertise and ensure that research is grounded in the contexts, values and needs of those it aims to benefit.
Co-creation can (and should) be used across the full research lifecycle - during early planning, when research questions and priorities are being formed; during design and testing, when diverse perspectives refine prototypes, methods, or interventions; and during evaluation, when partners assess both research impacts and the quality of collaboration itself. It is especially valuable for interdisciplinary, multisector, or community-embedded projects, and for any initiative seeking to influence policy, practice, or technology. Co-creation can strengthen trust, improve the usability and relevance of research, and support longer-term relationships that enable system-wide change.
The three-part guide below was developed following an extensive literature review of co-creation. Drafts of the guide were refined through iterative feedback from researchers within Connected Minds who have experience with co-creation. To use the guide, start with Step 1 to understand the foundations of co-creation. Then, move to Step 2 to understand the co-creation cycle. Finally, draw on the accompanying worksheets (Step 3) to support real-time collaboration, decision-making, and evaluation.
This is a living document; if you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to connectedmindsinfo@yorku.ca.
A Step-by-Step Co-creation Guide:
Co-Creation Toolkit Step 1: Understanding the Foundations of Co-Creation
Co-Creation Toolkit Step 2: The Cycle (A How-To Guide)
Co-Creation Toolkit Step 3: Co-Creation Worksheets