Co-design and Co-production

The resources in this section have been selected to support researchers, designers and developers build an understanding of the importance of co-design and co-production and to explore good practice approaches to engaging older adults in research. 

2.1 The importance of co-design and co-production

The resources in this secton introduce the nuances of co-production and co-design with older adults, emphasising the importance of ensuring that these approaches are included at all stages of research.

Social care institute for excellence:

Co-production: What it is and how to do it

Connect Hackney:

Co-production with older people

Alive:

Co-production for care homes

Leeds Older People's Forum:

Creative Healthy Ageing Toolkit

Stronger Together: A co-production toolkit from Ageing Better

Whether you’re just starting out with co-production, or looking to refine your methods to meet a specific challenge, you will find plenty of useful insights and inspiring stories in this toolkit. 

An introduction to co-production for the ambition for ageing programme

The Manchester Institue for Collaborative Research on Ageing (MICRA)

A qualitative study of healthy ageing and co-production

Co-research with older people: a systematic literature review

Hayley James & Tine Buffel

Published 10 February 2022

Maximizing the Benefits of Participatory Design for Human–Robot Interaction Research With Older Adults

Wendy A. Rogers, Travis Kadylak, & Megan A. Bayles 

Published 30 August 2021

User-centered design for healthy ageing:Next generation

Professor Ray Jones, University of Plymouth

Online Conference on Robotics for Healthy Ageing
Seminar 1: Evaluation of existing robotic technology solutions


1st April 2025

Recording

The importance of co-production

Professor Alessandro Di Nuovo, Sheffield Hallam University

Online Conference on Robotics for Healthy Ageing
Seminar 2: Foundational robotics technology research and development


1st April 2025

Recording

Data Driven Innovation

Michael Gray, University of Edinburgh

Network Event: Robotics for Frailty Challenge


28th September  2022

Recording

2.2 Engaging older adults in co-design and co-production

The resources in this section explore the considerations and limitations that need to be taken into account when engaging older adults in co-design and co-production. What are the specific opportunities and challenges involved when working with this demographic?

National development team for inclusion:

A guide to co-production with older people

National development team for inclusion:

Co-production involving and led by older people

NIHR: Applied Research Collaboration:

Engaging in research with care homes

Social care institute for excellence:

Developing our understanding of the difference co-production makes in social care

"That's me at my best": perspectives of older adults on involvement in technology research

Susanna E Martin, Cindy C Zhang, Mallorie T Tam, Julie M Robillard

Published 02 January 2025

Identifying barriers and facilitators to the inclusion of older adults living in UK care homes in research: a scoping review

Involving Socially Excluded Groups in Age-Friendly Programs: The Role of a Spatial Lens and Co-Production Approaches 

Sophie Yarker & Tine Buffel

Published 22 Mar 2022

Using Situated Interviews to Engage Frail Older People in the Co-production of Improved Emergency Healthcare 

Victoria Cluley, Nicola Gale & Zoe Radnor

Published 18 April 2021

Co-Production Methodologies

Professor Mark Hawley, University of Sheffield

Online Conference on Robotics for Healthy Ageing
Seminar 3: Addressing physical barriers


1st April 2025

Recording

Designing for Dignity

Daniel Clark & Hayley Morris, Devices for Dignity

CHART Summer School


4th September 2024

Presentation Slides

2.3 Approaches to co-production with older adults

This section explores approaches to co-production with older adults by considering how the opportunities and challenges can be manifested and addressed to create successful approaches that ensure effective engagement. 

Social care institute for excellence:

Experiences and understandings of co-production in adult social care

University of Sterling:

Ageing well with assistive technology

Examples of co-production in social care

Social Care Institute for Excellence

What works in co-producing assistive technology solutions with older people: a scoping review of the evidence

The key values and factors identified by older adults to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour using co-production approaches: a scoping review

Approaches to co-production of research in care homes: a scoping review

Technology for healthy aging and wellbeing: co-producing solutions

Astell, A.J., Andrews, J.A., Bennion, M.R., Clayton, D.

Published 02 December 2021

Co-Production Methodologies: EMERGENCE Case Study

Dr Stephen Potter, University of Sheffield

Online Conference on Robotics for Healthy Ageing
Seminar 3: Addressing physical barriers


1st April 2025

Recording

Real-life lessons on deploying service robots at healthcare scenarios

Sara Cooper, PAL Robotics 

Network Event: Robotics for Frailty Challenge


28th September  2022

Recording

Presentation Slides

Human Support Robot (HSR): An open innovation platform for enhanced self-reliance and caregiver support

Mark Van Loock, Toyota Motor Europe

Network Event: Robotics for Frailty Challenge


28th September  2022

Recording

Presentation Slides

2.4 Guidance and Tools

Social care institute for excellence:

Co-production impact assesment

Social care institute for excellence:

Developing a Co-production impact framework

Leeds Older People's Forum:

Preparing for Co-production