Capturing the “How”: Showing the value of co-design through creative evaluation

Abstract

Evaluation is undertaken for various reasons from helping to ensure that objectives are met to identifying success. This paper examines the significance of creative evaluation in a co-design approach. We have identified a major gap in appropriately embedding evaluation into engagement and consultation processes. The study explores the use of evaluation to evidence the value of co-design and consultation. As a part of this we have established a broad framework to gather information and data to build a portfolio of evidence to evidence the difference we are making. From the initial studies we have identified findings that are significant and shared across our partners within their evaluation practice. Throughout the project, our evaluation is embedded in our process. We have proposed an evaluation process, and an evaluation framework which will be used at various stages of the project to capture evidence. At each stage we capture the impact in a meaningful format so it is visible to communities and the researchers, in turn making evaluation a collaborative process. For this purpose, we developed a creative evaluation approach which is innovative, engaging but also designed in an unobtrusive manner.