Co-design for interdisciplinary research communities

Abstract

Complex research challenges facing society today require an integrative approach, therefore, interdisciplinary research is now required more often. By creating interdisciplinary research communities, we facilitate communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing between researchers from different fields. It can however be difficult to create interdisciplinary communities within universities, but co-design methods have been seen as being beneficial in doing so. Reporting and reflecting on three case studies (including N=130 participants), this paper aims to explore the use of co-design methods in creating interdisciplinary research communities In this paper, we focus on two main characteristics of co-design workshops. 1. Design/ Scheduling and Planning and 2. Workshop Formats, specifically co-design canvases. In doing so it seeks to 1. Offer a report and reflection on the three different co-design workshop approaches informing future co-design research and practice. 2. Understand how different formats of co-design help enhance interdisciplinary research communities in universities. It found that there were trade-offs in selecting approaches. Structured co-design approaches offer clear expectations and organisation but may limit creativity, while semi-structured approaches provide flexibility but may lead to reduced focus. Similar trade-offs were seen in the differing fidelities of canvas design. Low-fidelity canvases are inclusive but may lack detail, while high-fidelity canvases may limit creativity. Medium-fidelity canvases strike a balance between visual appeal and detail. It was found the best approach depends on the specific context and goals of participants; therefore, it is important to prepare in advance to tailor workshops to the needs and preferences of the participants involved.