Methodology
The Cocreate Methodology

The Cocreate methodology


The Cocreate methodology consists of four stages; Discover, Frame, Ideate and Build. But it is never a rigid process. We determine the specific approach and order of these phases for each individual project in order to ensure the best outcome.

The stages of the Cocreate methodology

CoCreate logo

Discover

We start by exploring and understanding the wider context of the challenge, looking for inspiration and triggering ideas. This could involve anything from technological developments to business, economic, political or legal aspects. At this stage it is also important to become immersed in the world of the user and to try out initial ideas with specific groups of people to better understand the potential opportunities.

 

  • Gather all existing data.
  • Meet and observe stakeholders.
  • Cluster themes and start building the ‘As is’ experience flow.
  • Identify key insights.
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Frame

This phase is about defining the opportunity area or challenge based on the ‘as is’ situation from the Discover stage. At this point it's also important to frame the challenge or opportunity so that all key considerations are taken into consideration. Framing is a crucial step prior to creating ideas, as it reveals new perspectives, solutions and opportunities.

 

  • Revisit the themes, matching them to the insights.
  • Look backwards. Start making sense of the current situation flow. Identify gaps, challenges and opportunities.
  • Look forwards. Envision the possible desired future reality and ask yourself; ‘what if?’ 
  • Define the challenge or opportunity statement
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Ideate

Ideation is about finding ideas and solutions to the challenge using the power of creative thinking. A key tactic is to diverge before converging.  We select the most relevant ideas and use them to create a shared understanding.

 

  • As a team, ask; ‘How can we achieve what was set out in the Frame stage?’.
  • Purge! Look at the challenge and do top-of-mind ideation to get ideas ‘out of your head’.
  • Use ideation cards or techniques to build a long list of ideas. This is sometimes called the brainstorming or ‘diverge’ stage.
  • As a team choose a small number of the most promising ideas or directions (typically 3-6, depending on the size of your team). This is sometimes called the ‘converge’ stage.
  • Plot how these directions could become solutions. Cost them; decide which ones to pursue. You may need to use other tools to help (e.g. behavior change tools.)
  • Define solutions further (possibly in pairs) and decide what capabilities you need to make them successful.
  • As a team, prioritize which ideas to develop further, based on their feasibility, desirability and even profitability.
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Build


Ideas are made tangible by building a prototype, so you can simulate behavior or experiences. This is how we quickly test hypotheses, in the relevant context, with key stakeholders and users. This step generates additional insights and drives innovation further.

 

  • Agree what the team wants to learn through the prototype (e.g. detail, functionality, context).
  • Consider what form would be most appropriate to do that (e.g. a physical model or concept).
  • Build it! There are several iterations necessary to get the prototype right. You must be prepared to start over again a few times.
  • Get ready to test the prototype in the (Re)discover stage.
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Flexible, scalable and modular for each challenge

 

Because the Cocreate methodology is a creative and collaborative multidisciplinary exercise, it’s never a rigid process. The four stages are not always applied sequentially and can be iterated as many times as required. It is through constantly rediscovering and reframing that we reflect, learn, and ultimately arrive at a viable solution. Sometimes cycles are rapid, taking a day or two, but they can also be extended if necessary.  

Flexible, scalable, modular

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