Flexible formations for networks

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
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
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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