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.
The Connected Minds approach to co-creation is designed for complex research settings, where problems are not only technical, but also social, ethical, and shaped by different forms of expertise. In these contexts, co-creation cannot rely on a single form of collaboration. Instead, it must operate along two complementary dimensions: 辱ٱ(formerly “horizontal”) andپDz-ǰԳٱ(formerly “vertical”)-پDz.In other words, co-creation should be used across the full research lifecycle - during early planning, when research questions and priorities are being formed (epistemic); during design and testing, when diverse perspectives refine prototypes, methods, or interventions (application); and during evaluation, when partners assess both research impacts and the quality of collaboration itself. As the guide makes clear, these are not linear or isolated phases of co-creation but rather interdependent dimensions of collaboration that must be sustained and coordinated throughout the research process. When co-creation is done in this way, it not only improves the usability and relevance of research but also strengthens trust and supports 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