Codesign Framework

Codesign is a research framework and approach which emphasizes the co-creation of research objectives, methodologies, data collection, and dissemination among researchers, educators, and technology developers. Our belief is that when power is shared in the research and development of innovative products, these solutions have the potential to be liberating approaches to education.

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“Leaders who do not act dialogically, but insist on imposing their decisions, do not organize the people–they manipulate them. They do not liberate, nor are they liberated: they oppress.”

-Paulo Freire

This framework is intended to give practical tools to support school communities, technology developers and researchers working to co-create innovative solutions to education’s toughest challenges.

What is Codesign?

Codesign governs the way that two or more groups interact with each other to achieve a shared goal. It’s a process that allows different stakeholders to collaborate and solve shared problems through research. In the case of Leanlab Education, those groups are schools, technology developers, and researchers.

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How does it work?

Cultivate

Engage

Design

Research

Produce

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Resources

Blog

Demystifying Jargon: How Codesign can help everyone to speak the same language

Jargon is a natural part of any field or area of expertise. At its best, jargon helps people within a group understand each other and communicate more effectively. At its worst, jargon is used as a tool to identify and exclude people outside the group

3 Examples of Problems of Practice in Education and How Codesign Can Help Address Them

Improving instructional practices is essential for helping students learn the subject matter effectively, allowing them to improve outcomes by using the skills they’re learning.

What are community assets? Here’s how to map them

The first step in a successful codesign research project is to decide who will form the research team and identify other stakeholders. Part of this process involves mapping community assets.

Engage Toolkit

Understand the reasons you are working together, envision what a partnership will look like, define a shared meaning, and put it all in writing.

5 Types of Codesign Studies and When to Use Them

Within Codesign, we segment research into five different types of studies. Each one with its own specific timelines, requirements, and research questions.

Turning Recommendations into Action

An Action Plan is used to distill a very long report into a digestible, 2-4 page document that serves as a simple checklist for edtech developers to reference.

12 Lessons That Changed The Way We Do Research

Twelve lessons about Codesign Research that can help reduce attrition, incorporate educator voice, and create actionable results.

How to Prepare for Semi-Structured Interviews

Semi-structured interviews are a formal way to collect qualitative data that try to mimic natural conversation. Instead of a strict list of questions that interviewer plows through, a semi-structured interview creates space for inquiry and curiosity.

What is Codesign?

Co-design is a process in which educators, research, and edtech companies come together, as equal partners, to find a solution to a shared problem through research.

Cultivate Toolkit

Assemble your group of codesigners and assess who you are as individuals, what strengths you have as a group, and what obstacles you may face.