The Promise of Co‐Design for Public Policy. Issue 4 (1st March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blomkamp, Emma
• Is Part Of: Australian journal of public administration. Volume 77:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 729
• Page End: 743
• Publication Date: 2018-03-01
• Subjects: policy design -- co‐design -- participatory policy making -- design thinking -- innovation; Public administration -- Australia -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Australia -- Periodicals; Australia -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 351.9405
• DOI: 10.1111/1467-8500.12310
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0313-6647

Abstract

Abstract: As a novel method for creatively engaging citizens and stakeholders to find solutions to complex problems, co‐design holds great promise for policy makers. It has been vaunted as a way to generate more innovative ideas, ensure policies and services match the needs of citizens, achieve economic efficiencies by improving responsiveness, foster cooperation and trust between different groups, meaningfully engage the 'hard to reach', and achieve support for change. This article considers how we might determine whether co‐design has real potential to dramatically improve policy processes and outcomes. Drawing on relevant literature on participatory design, design thinking and public sector innovation, this review explores the meaning and potential of co‐design in the context of public policy. It highlights the philosophical underpinnings and normative implications of participatory design, and questions the feasibility of achieving the promised outcomes in the challenging context of contemporary policy making. Abstract : Co‐design is a promising approach that offers creative and participatory methods for engaging different kinds of people and knowledge in the policy process. More documentation, analysis, and evaluation are nonetheless required to determine the extent to which co‐design can meet its innovative and transformative potential in policy making.