Why co-design matters for your application

​

Co-design is central to Round 1 of the NDRP’s 2025 Research Funding because it supports stronger research questions, more practical outcomes, and more inclusive systems change. It shifts the dynamic from research on or for people, to research with people.

​

Demonstrating meaningful co-design in your application is about clearly showing how people with lived experience will shape (or have shaped) the direction and decisions in your work.

​

What to include in your application

​

You don’t need to co-design every stage of the research. But you do need to show that your co-design approach is thoughtful, purposeful, and embedded early enough to have influence.

​

Here’s what reviewers will be looking for:

• What will be co-designed? Be specific. Is it the research question? A tool? A communication approach?

• Who will be involved? Share who’s been involved or who you intend to involve and the kinds of knowledge they bring (e.g. lived experience, cultural knowledge, service experience, technical expertise).

• How will decisions be made? Demonstrate how your team shares power or plans to (e.g. co-leads, advisory groups, joint planning).

• When will co-design happen? Highlight where in the process it has occurred or is planned to occur. Early involvement is key.

• What impact has it had or is expected to have? If applicable, describe how co-design has already changed the direction or outcome of your work, or how it’s expected to shape decisions.

 

Use the ‘to / for / with’ reflection

​

This simple spectrum, adapted from the work of Dr Emma Blomkamp, can help you describe your current approach and describe where your project sits. It can also help you identify where you aim to shift, especially if you’re still early in the research planning process.

​

• Research to people: The community is informed but not involved

• Research for people: The community gives input but doesn’t share power

• Research with people: The community helps shape decisions and outcomes

 

You can use this language directly in your application to show understanding of your current position and your goals.

​

Phrases and framing that help

​

The words you choose can signal how deeply co-design is embedded in your approach. Clear, specific phrasing shows that you understand the value of lived experience and the importance of working with, not just about, community. It also gives reviewers confidence that your work is grounded in practice, not just principle.

​

Use phrases like:

• “We will co-develop...”

• “Our lived experience partners will shape...”

• “A reference group of [specific community] will contribute to...”

• “We will use community yarning to reflect and reshape our direction...”

• “The [tool/resource/question] will be developed with people with lived experience of...”

​

Avoid vague or tokenistic phrases:

• “We will consult widely” (without naming who and how)

• “The community will be involved” (without specifics)

• “We plan to include voices” (without clarity on when or how)

​

Strong, grounded language reflects strong, grounded practice. These phrases help distinguish meaningful co-design from surface-level inclusion.

​

Learn from others

 

The Hey, Hear Me Out project showed what happens when co-design is embedded later in the process. While initial decisions were made without community leadership, the team’s reflection and commitment to change led to a shift toward genuine co-design resulting in stronger cultural safety, relevance, and trust.

​

The Summer Foundation projects showed how early and ongoing co-design included a lived experience reference group. They also co-developed tools and an evaluation process that helped produce more useful and grounded outputs.

​

Read both case studies in full in the Co-Design in Action: Case Studies resource. 

​

Final checklist before you submit

​

• The team has clearly named what will be co-designed and by who

• The application describes how co-design will shape (or has shaped) the research

• Timing of co-design is included, and it will begin early enough to influence key decisions

• The language used is clear, specific, and grounded in the NDRP co-design approach

• The proposal avoids vague or general claims and shows real collaboration.

​

You can also consider including:

• Reflections using the 'to / for / with' framework

• Specific examples from planning or early engagement

• How lived experience has already contributed or how it will be supported to do so.

​

Strong co-design is about using it meaningfully and where it matters most. That means being clear, thoughtful, and genuine about where co-design adds value and how people with lived experience are actively involved. If you focus on what matters most and show how people with lived experience are shaping the work your application will reflect the spirit of co-design.

 

Co-design is a practical way of putting the NDRP principles into action, in particular our commitment to valuing lived experience, strengthening disability research capacity, and supporting research that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

​

Find out more about the NDRP Principles.

​

Back to the Co-design resources page.