[Advent Calendar 2025] Collaborating to Create: The Power of Co-creation Workshops

Welcome to our advent calendar! Throughout December, we're exploring the behind-the-scenes world of product creation. Today, we're diving into the action: co-creation workshops These workshops are true accelerators of a product's lifecycle. Designers, clients, and users come together to imagine relevant solutions. Discover the keys to co-creation in this article and download templates for essential workshops.

What is a co-creation workshop?

A co-creation workshop is the art of bringing together all stakeholders (users, designers, developers, clients) so that they can participate actively and together to the design of a common solution.

Why does it work?

  • Align perspectives to avoid misunderstandings and silos.

  • Foster innovation thanks to the diversity of ideas and profiles.

  • Create relevant solutions that meet the real needs of users.

The tangible benefits of co-creation workshops

Co-creation not only involves everyone, it positively transforms the way we design:

  • Enhanced empathy: Understanding users directly through their voice and feedback.

  • Accelerated innovation: Ideas flow freely when profiles and points of view are mixed.

  • Consensus and appropriation: Decisions made together are stronger, more sustainable, and better accepted by all parties.

  • Quick problem resolution: Real-time iterations and feedback streamline the development process.

When should I organize a co-creation workshop?

Co-creation is possible at any point in the product journey, but this method is particularly effective during the phases of DISCOVERY andITERATION.

DISCOVER (Discovery Phase)

  • Project start date: Define the objectives, frame the problem and align the team.

  • Ideation: Explore new avenues and generate as many ideas as possible.

ITERATE (Iteration phase)

  • Design refinement: To test and improve existing concepts or prototypes.

  • Solving complex problems: Leveraging multiple perspectives to find the best blocking solution.

How to prepare a co-creation workshop

Preparation is already half the battle when it comes to the success of a workshop.

  • Define a clear objective: What specific question do you want to resolve by the end of the workshop?

  • Select the participants: Invite a diverse mix of stakeholders to enrich the discussion and ensure alignment.

  • Planning the logistics: Choose a convenient time (midweek morning is ideal), an accessible space (physical or Miro/Figma) and make sure the equipment is ready.

  • Create the agenda: Plan a clear structure including an introduction, ice breaker, main activities and debriefing.

  • Send the invitations: Share the context, objectives and any preparatory work.

Tips for the presenter

  • Establishing a climate open and benevolent.

  • Avoid conformity: encourage individual ideation before group sharing.

  • Allocate dedicated time for each participant or group presents his ideas.

  • Guide the group without imposing your own solution.

Phase Duration The goal
1. Introduction 15–20 mins Welcome participants, clarify objectives, and establish workshop rules.
2. Icebreaker & Warm-up 15–25 mins To make participants feel comfortable and stimulate creativity.
3. Main Activities 60–120 mins Launch the co-creation exercises (Crazy 8s, Brainwriting, etc.).
4. Debrief 20–30 mins To summarize insights collected, gather Feedback and plan the next steps.

Our favorite co-creation exercises

Crazy 8s

  • Principle : Each participant generates 8 ideas in 8 minutes on a sheet of paper.

  • Why : Boost rapid ideation and diversity without self-censorship.

  • When to use it: Initial ideation and exploration of various concepts.

Brainwriting / Braindrawing

  • Principle : People write or draw their ideas individually, then pass them on to others so they can develop or complete them.

  • Why : Combining individual creativity with collective refinement.

  • When to use it: To diversify ideas or improve existing concepts.

Exquis cadavre

  • Principle : A sequential exercise where each participant completes an idea left by the previous one without seeing the whole.

  • Why : Create unexpected connections and energize the group.

  • When to use it: Icebreaker or the first phase of playful ideation.

Conclusion

Co-creation workshops are special moments where creativity, alignment, and empathy converge. They ensure that every voice counts and transform the design process into a collaborative approach. collective and relevant.

(I.e. UX Republic Template Workshop Ready-to-use sheets for Crazy 8s, Brainwriting and Exquisite Corpse to plan, facilitate and document your sessions.

 

Aki Matsunaga
Product Designer at UX-Republic