Thinking about co-design embedded within a network presents additional challenges. Ideally a design team creates many spaces to engage in co-design – both online and in-person – that allow for maximum input and creativity as well as respond to shifting levels of availability/capacity to participate. What follows is a brainstorm I did with my sister Licia of the list of formations (groups within a network) that enable this. Furthermore, these formations can be organized from a central group, like a design team, or self-organized as they emerge from network members.
| Formation | Definition |
| Advisory group |
Small group that lasts for the length of the project to advise and provide context for the design work; similar to design team but broader
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| Ambassador |
One person does a one-on-one, then takes on work to do other one-on-ones, or takes information to broader group; “train-the-trainer” might fit here
|
| Conference |
Large group comes together with potential breakout groups, usually in-person
|
| Design team |
An ad hoc group that meets throughout the duration of the project (or sub-scope within it) to provide planning insight
|
| Innovation fund |
Selected group of projects that are funded for specific outcomes
|
| One-on-one |
A conversation between two people
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| Ongoing focus group |
A representatively diverse group of people assembled to participate in a guided discussion about a particular product before it is launched, or to provide ongoing feedback on a political campaign, television series, etc.
|
| Outreach team |
Spreads the word about design process and reflections to rest of network
|
| Pop-up focus group |
A representative group of people that meets once to provide structured feedback on a specific topic
|
| Seek external expert |
Someone reaches out of core network for advice or thought leadership
|
| Small group experiment |
An ad hoc group that meets to engage with and provide feedback on a project, product, or part of it
|
| Structured interview |
A one-on-one with very specific outcomes
|
| Webinar |
An online lecture with potential Q+A
|
| Working group |
Small group of people who meet regularly with specific outcomes in mind; could be called a committee.
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