Co-design is a popular buzzword in health research, but what does it actually mean when working with young people?
A new review co-authored by UCRH’s Dr Jodie Bailie has found that while co-design is widely used in research involving young people, there’s no single definition of what it is or how it should be done. In fact, researchers use a mix of terms like “co-production,” “coresearch,” and “participatory action research” to describe similar approaches.
The review looked at nearly 50 studies from the past 20 years that involved young people aged 15–24 in health and social science research. It found that while the goals were often similar (collaboration, inclusion, and shared decision-making) the methods and language varied a lot.
This publication builds on an earlier piece that explored how young people themselves experience co-design in health research. That article highlighted the importance of trust, safety, and genuine partnership. You can read more about that here.
Together, these studies show that while co-design can look different from project to project, what matters most is being clear and honest about how young people are involved, why they’re involved, and how their voices shape the research.
Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all definition, the authors argue for flexibility. Different projects and communities may need different approaches, and that’s okay, as long as researchers are transparent and thoughtful in how they work with young people.
This research helps move the conversation forward by encouraging more clarity and care in how co-design is described and practiced so that young people’s involvement is meaningful, not just symbolic.
