We throw the word co-design around a lot. It’s become shorthand for collaboration, participation, even goodwill — a prefix that promises inclusion. But what does that little “co-” really mean? In this episode, we explore the shades of co-design: how far collaboration can go, when it works, when it doesn’t, and how systems thinking and design intersect in practice.

Drawing on years of work at the intersection of social innovation, facilitation, and capability-building, Emma Blomkamp helps us unpack the language, myths, and maturity of co-design — and reminds us that it all comes back to one thing: purpose.

Whether you’re a practitioner, policymaker, or just someone curious about what genuine collaboration looks like in complex systems, this episode offers both reflection and practical guidance on doing co with intent.

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Resources from the episode:

• Emma Blomkamp's New Know How and specifically the Co-Design Maturity Model and Quiz
• KA McKercher's Beyond Sticky Notes - a great resource!
• The Impact Policy Podcast episode with Jessie Robinson titled "Co-design Collaboration and Community Engagement)
• Co-Design practitioner Dr Tristan Schultz's website