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Tips for co-creation with marginalised communities

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Tips for co-creation with marginalised communities

Tips for co-creation with marginalised communities

In Amsterdam, a list of helpful tips has been compiled to pave the way for successful co-creation sessions with marginalised communities. These insights are based on interviews with Piloting Teams who developed tech solutions for marginalised groups and a literature study conducted by the Municipality of Amsterdam, the University of Amsterdam, and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.

The CommuniCity consortium encourages Piloting Teams to use these tips and share their experiences to further update the list. Suggestions and comments are welcome and can be sent to n.pavicic@amsterdam.nl. The “Toolbox CommuniCity: co-creation with marginalised groups” also includes many useful components and methods for Pilot Teams.

14 Tips for successful co-creation

  1. Investigate existing non-technical solutions (such as non-data-driven/non-AI tools) that address the challenges faced by a marginalised community. Analyse why these solutions may be failing and assess whether the technical solution you are developing could overcome these limitations.
  2. Involve the community for whom the solution is being developed from the outset and throughout all stages, including implementation and evaluation.
  3. If you lack direct contact with the community you are developing the solution for, collaborate with intermediaries like civil society associations that work with that community.
  4. In sessions with the marginalised communities, prioritise understanding their needs before defining concrete requirements for the technological solution.
  5. Meet the community in their own spaces, rather than requiring them to come to you. When organising co-creation sessions, choose venues that are familiar and accessible.
  6. Aim to increase the diversity of the Piloting Team, ideally by including people who represent or identify with the marginalised community.
  7. Limit the number of participants in group sessions and foster an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome to speak and be heard. If needed, organise multiple sessions to reduce the group size.
  8. Use language and visuals that resonate with the marginalised community to ensure they feel comfortable.
  9. Foster a sense of ownership among community members by acknowledging their contributions and incorporating their input throughout the pilot project.
  10. During the piloting phase,  clearly communicate to community members that they are involved in a pilot project and that the developed solution may not be implemented, even if it is successful.
  11. When co-creating with marginalised communities, actively minimise potential harm and the risk of disappointment or exploitation.
  12. Ensure the exchange is mutually beneficial by respecting participants’ efforts and time and ensuring they gain value from the process.
  13. Before co-creation begins, ensure participants consent to their data being used to build technological solutions.
  14. Remember that the co-creation process and its outcomes may have long-term effects on participants.