Co.Design4All
Tooling Your Path to Engagement and Success
Improve the value of your services, create more customers, advocates, and funding using our toolkit. The Co.Design4All 4D Framework results in improved commitment, more resources and better outcomes.
Engage Your Community
Every organisation needs engaged users and we make that easy.
Co.Design4All makes engagement easy for every Product Manager, Project Lead or Community Engagement Consultant. Our 4D Framework and associated tools add variety to your communication, method to your process, failsafe models when conflict emerges and techniques for expanding your impact.
Create Great Products & Services
Better results from better understanding
Many services lack appreciation of consumer needs. Communities are under-resourced due to insufficient coordination of funders. Movements have stalled due to conflict. The Co.Design4All 4D Framework ensures that from defining the problem through to designing products and services the views of different stakeholders, the resources of many funders and solid project management are applied to create solutions which deliver winning outcomes for all.
ABOUT
What Is Co.Design4All?
Co.Design4All is a four phase framework underpinned by a toolkit which makes co-design easy. It starts with discovering who is involved in your service or situation. Tools are provided to explore what they perceive as unmet need and identify available resources. You are then equipped to move into planning how to work together to decide what should be produced. You will be supported to develop an implementation plan and evaluation strategy. Reflection tools help you grow as a facilitator and change agent.
Co.Design4All uses place based design to develop targeted solutions addressing community needs which leverage local strengths, partners and assets. Whether you deliver health or social care, are planning new urban developments, need to boost regional economic activity or consult with communities affected by large infrastructure projects, hearing the voice of users and stakeholders is vital. By taking the time to understand the problems your clients or community face as well as appreciate the local supports, you improve the fit and value of your solutions.
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Benefits
Why co.design4all?
Compelling benefits
Our communities have more need and face more complex problems than ever before. Providers need to compete for attention and dollars. That means we need to know the perspectives of the audiences important to us. Co-design is a proven method for understanding problems and stakeholders and assessing potential solutions.
If you face an issue which is not well understood or has stakeholders competing for control, co-design works well. It can ensure stretched resources are paired with local assets, funding and services better designed to meet community needs.
When ownership of problems is lacking, co-design can create the engagement required to get visibility of need. Data presented to the right stakeholders then leads to better decisions around services, designs and outcomes. So rather than spend time communicating a flawed plan or selling a poor solution or service, engage in co-design to put things right.
CO.Design4All
Our 4D Framework
Co.Design4All is a framework which covers the full span of co-design activities necessary to develop product and service solutions tailored to your clients, catchment and community.
The strength of our framework is its simplicity and adaptability. You will never hit a project barrier again without having tools to guide stakeholders through successful decisions. Be more creative as you face the personalities, resource constraints and timeframes which make new service development, community consultation or regional activities so challenging.
By following a four-phase approach you will surface all the relevant data, engage the right players, turn everyone’s mind to the same problems and harness their experience, resources and commitment to doing things better together. Too often projects and consultations fail because:
- Data is not used to dimension the need
- Past efforts are ignored or misunderstood
- Different stakeholders define the problem in different ways
- The right people are not at the table and undermine momentum
- Communication is confused with consultation
- Supports continue to exist in silos rather than continuums or combinations which make it easy for users
- Those involved become cynical, exhausted or ostracised
- Handover of the concept is poorly executed.
Using our toolkit, you will be able to choose the most relevant approach to avoid project pitfalls. We have organised our knowledge to suit projects of varying size, complexity and focus. So, whether you need to find a way to get data out of the local council, have a difficult conversation with your project sponsor or quieten an especially vocal contributor, our toolkit has the support you need in two pages or less.
4
Phases
14
Stages
3
Gates
108
Useable Tools
We also promise to inspire and equip through sharing of case studies and access to blogs, vlogs and webinars.
Drill into our Co.Design4All Framework
EXPERTS IN OUR FIELD
Trust our Expertise
Co.Design4All has been developed in conjunction with experienced co-design facilitators from the health, social care, disability, regional economic development and major project sectors. It distils decades of wisdom into a process, supported by tools and techniques. The 4D Framework enables even new project facilitators to have confidence they can deliver.
We know our brief. That is why, across more than 100 tools, the majority of tools are less than three pages in length. They are ready to be downloaded based on the stage of your project and the need you face today. Select tools which suit the size of your group, the challenge ahead and your personality.
Never feel out of your depth when leading groups through change and challenge. Add to your professional skills and specific sector knowledge with our approach to formulating better services and solutions through improved consultation and project management.
RECENT ACTIVITIES
What we have been up to
The Co.Design4All team has been working with not-for-profit healthcare providers in Brisbane to develop a shared advocacy platform and business case for change. The result is a novel model of care and pitch for nearly $200M in funding.
It involves positioning the coalition at the forefront of primary care innovation in the country. Agreements to share staff, data and even building designs mean the solution will be more cost effective to implement and attractive to government to fund.
How to use CO-DESIGN in your Business
Co-design is not just for service sectors like health, disability and social care. Co-design is applicable to software developers working on new interfaces and deployments of technology. Co-design is relevant to architects and town planners working with those constructing the next generation of buildings and major community centres.
Co-design should feature when major infrastructure and investments change the fabric of towns and communities. Co-design can help peak bodies and advocacy groups decide how to respond to new challenges. Most importantly, co-design works when old problems require new solutions because nothing to date has really worked.
Co-design can be led by anyone with an interest in seeing better results. That can be a product marketing lead needing to ensure all the components of great service are aligned with a new product launch. It could be a clinician wanting to see the patient journey become smoother and more patient centred.
It could be a council employee trying to stimulate regional economic development. It could be a government program manager trying to get a better response to a government policy and related regulations. What they all need is the tools for working with data to define a need, through people to design a solution and with stakeholders to get the resources and structures in place for success. Co.Design4All offers the framework, tools and techniques to make any project a success.
TESTIMONIALS
What our clients have to say
Ann Maree Liddy
CEO, Checkup | Chair, Health Consumers Queensland
Co.Design4All – A timely and valuable platform
The Co.Design4All website is a timely and valuable platform that has value not only for the health industry, but the broader care economy. The high-quality resources, tools and case studies are reflective of Tracey and Nat’s deep understanding of co-design and their years of experience in engaging with communities. By fostering co-design approaches, Co.Design4All has enormous potential to enhance service delivery, promote innovation and strengthen trust – essential building blocks for more equitable and inclusive healthcare.
Ken Griffin
CEO, Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)
Co.Design4All – Can’t Speak Highly Enough
Considered, insightful and engaging facilitation led to a structured, effective and energised approach to the challenges we faced. I can’t speak highly enough of the Co.Design4All approach!
Bethany Crowe
Clinical Lead – McGrath Cancer Care Nurses and Support
Co.Design4All – Truly Empowering People
Working with Nat and the Ethicol team to develop the McGrath Model of care using their Co.Design4All framework has truly empowered people affected by cancer and healthcare providers to collaboratively shape how our nurses provide supportive cancer care across Australia. It promoted a sense of ownership and partnership and has ensured that the care provided by our nurses is tailored to the unique needs of individuals.
Laurel Collins
Laurel, Breast Cancer survivor
Truly Rewarding Experience
Working with the team from Ethicol was a truly rewarding experience. They led a thoughtful co-design process to develop a new model for cancer care nursing by creating a safe and inclusive space for people with a lived experience of cancer, and their carers, to share their stories, challenges and unique perspectives. Ethicol’s approach in the co-design workshops and meetings struck a great balance of kindness, empathy, and professionalism. I felt valued, I felt heard and I felt like my ideas genuinely mattered in shaping the possible outcomes of this future care model. Thank you Ethicol for the opportunity to contribute to this vital work and thank you for your dedication to making a difference to cancer care in Australia.
Kerry Patford
Chief Nurse, McGrath Foundation
Co.Design4All encourages reciprocity in sharing experiences
As a practitioner for many years, I have learned so much through working with Natasha Doherty on a co-design project. The Ethicol team really know how to engage with people from all aspects of the sector in a way that encourages reciprocity in sharing experiences and learnings and refining this information in a meaningful and practical way. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to be involved in the Co.Design4All way of working.
Anna Hebron
Managing Director and governance expert
Championing Patient-Centred Approaches
Tracey Johnson is one of those special people who light up a room with her energy and passion. She inspires those around her by her drive to make a real, positive difference. What’s so incredible about Tracey is how deeply she lives her values – always championing patient-centred approaches and empowering communities. She’s a true innovator and has a treasure trove of stories from her decades of experience leading change and reform across all kinds of sectors. Honestly, she can tackle any challenge you throw at her – whether it’s big-picture strategy or hands-on problem-solving, Tracey moves effortlessly between both. She has an amazing ability to bring people on the journey – when she speaks, people believe that better futures are possible and with Tracey leading the way, they absolutely are!
Tracey Silvester
Executive Officer
Engaging, Successful, Credible
I have been witness to Tracey Johnson’s knowledge of the health care system and her exceptional group facilitation skills. She is a master at understanding the complexities in which health services operate; an understanding that is reflected in the quality of the co-design tools and resources that have been developed. Her ability to clearly communicate complex concepts and engage diverse audiences ensures the success and credibility of her work. I am confident that these attributes and Tracey’s commitment to making a difference will make the website a valuable resource for all users.
McGrath ‘Model of Care’ project
Project Participant A
Best Co-design Process
This has been the best co-design process I have even participated in……ACTUAL co-design.
Meredith Cummins
CEO Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia
Wonderful Co-design Workshop
Wonderful to be involved in this co-design workshop to ensure the model of care for all cancers benefits all cancers.
McGrath ‘Model of Care’ project
Project Participant B
Fantastic Co-design Workshop
Fantastic to have been part of the codesign workshop with McGrath Foundation and Natasha Doherty.
OUR PARTNERS
Who is using Co.Design4All
CO.DESIGN4ALL IN ACTION
Healthcare Using Co.Design4All
How do you get a disparate array of peak bodies, consumer organisations and healthcare providers to agree on initiatives which change how patients are supported as they age?
You bring them together in a forum, present data and manage processes to get them to scope up projects. Volunteering to lead initiatives was easy to achieve as the ideas came from the participants and priorities were mutually agreed.
Advocacy naturally unfolded as everyone voted on priorities. Funding was offered as the right stakeholders were engaged. This is co-design in action using tools from the Co.Design4All toolkit.
RECENT ACTIVITIES
Who is Co-Design for?
Co-design is a way of working which applies to town planning, regional development, health and social care delivery and even scoping major projects in the mining and infrastructure sectors. So, no matter your background, everyone trying to produce novel solutions which need to be endorsed by or involve others needs to be familiar with the core elements of co-design.
Once you have your design brief, shared decision-making and co-production will usually deliver an even better result. Using the Co.Design4All framework will ensure nothing is missed, your confidence is built, and the results are spoken about by others… making successful implementation and access to funding far easier.
COME AND MEET US
Upcoming Events
Co.Design4All team will be participating in the following events in the months ahead. Join us, come and say hello and learn about the Co.Design4All Framework!
11 Mar 2026
Australian Healthcare Week | Sydney 11-12 March 2026
Tracey Johnson will be one of the inspiring speakers at Australian Healthcare Week in Sydney in March 2026. This is the most comprehensive platform for uniting healthcare leaders, sharing strategic insights, and driving meaningful change across the entire ecosystem to shape a healthier future.
Register for free
5 Mar 2026
SPICA Conference 2026 – Brisbane 5-6 March
We are delighted to be speaking at the second Surgical and Perioperative Innovation Collaborative—Australasia (SPICA 2026) in Brisbane. We will be talking about Innovation and Co-design in Leadership. Pencil the date into your calendars, and we will provide registrtion details closer to the date.
Contact SPICA
19 Nov 2025
Co.Design4All Official Launch – 19th November
After months of passionate development, we’re officially launching Co.Design4All – a revolutionary framework that’s breaking down barriers and making co-design accessible to everyone. In a world where collaboration often feels fragmented, we’re creating hope – proof that inclusive design isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. Who’s ready to revolutionize how we co-design together?
Register Now – places are limited!
21 Nov 2025
ASPIRE’s Social Prescribing Conference – EACH25 – November 2025
Join us at EACH25 – ASPIRE’s International Social Prescribing Conference. Social prescribing can address major risk factors for poor health by linking individuals to non-medical services and resources within their community. This year’s conference will explore how social prescribing can improve Australians’ health and wellbeing through Arts and Culture, Nature, and Communities, with an extra focus on Children, Youth and Families.
Register NowHEALTHCARE INNOVATION
Co.Design4All for Healthcare
Co-design is a model of co-creation which has been documented in healthcare innovation and management literature for many years. It is not widely used as clinicians are busy people who often assume they know what is best for patients and carers. Hospitals are under pressure to react to the increasing numbers of patients demanding access to care. The rising challenge is to slow down, look at where healthcare demand is being created, understand the partners who could stop disease before it becomes a problem and share resources across the health and social care continuum so that better health results. This is a big ask which needs time, tools and a plan. Co.Design4All provides a model which can be easily understood and shared across primary, community and secondary care. The tools and techniques are easy to follow and can be applied by those with limited training. Access to regular webinars and case studies mean that those who commence the co-design journey never need to feel alone with their project and its challenges.
questions and answers
FAQ’s
The inspiration for co-design emerged in the 1970’s in Scandinavia as a driver for innovation in social care. It has inspired leaders in product development, health care delivery and government service delivery ever since. Co-design and co-creation are becoming well established principles in the literature related to healthcare reform and developing improved models of care. More government funding is being tied to community projects which have a co-design method behind them. In Australia, the federal government has even funded Universities to create centres for the study of co-design in recognition that siloed working will not affordably solve the problems most pressing on society today. Expect to see co-design emerging as core to more and more projects.
Consultation occurs when you seek feedback about an intended service or product already in prototype or use. In essence, you have already defined the boundaries for consideration and are asking people to enhance but not re-define what a product or service is intended to do. In contrast, co-design enables people to define what the real problem is. They then collaborate to scope out many solutions which are assessed in an options analysis. The group then decides what should be done. It is a far more inclusive and democratic process than consultation.
If your product, service or solution needs to be adopted, purchased or used by someone, you need to know what others really think. If your product or service has numerous touchpoints, you need to ensure that every process supports your promise and overall brand. Getting such collaboration and understanding the perspectives which arise in different functional areas of a business, across government or within complex service sectors (like social care and disability) means you need the right people at the table sharing the most relevant information. Co-design enables disparate groups to focus on the same problem and harness the benefit of different perspectives. It supports resource sharing and the generation of buy-in so that better solutions result at lower cost. It assures success during implementation as monitoring and evaluation will be in place.
Co-design is a fundamental contributor to improved outcomes everywhere. No project or problem is too small to benefit from co-design. Co-design facilitates the sharing of information which is really the heart and soul of inspiration and commitment to change.
Co-design must engage the right people. Identifying them, inducting them into the process, giving them access to information and enabling them to collaborate and make decisions involves many steps. A well planned project can accelerate coherence and build trust which leads to greater commitment. This in turn creates access to more resources which compensate for the upfront engagement.
Co-design can have unpredictable outcomes. You are drawing in the wisdom, networks, resources and skills of others. This is also why it is more successful. Too many projects start and finish as planned. However, they miss the point and never deliver any outcomes. Rather than creating something which never truly satisfies and needs to be disbanded it is better to control the level of engagement. Bring others into the frame as collaborators and you can generate better solutions everyone endorses. That support is better than the criticism which results when you miss the mark having dictated the agenda.
People can and will share their opinions in our social media age. Co-design provides a managed forum for sharing views. The consensus ensures that key considerations are addressed. In the process you create real ownership of the solutions. This means advocates will join you in celebrating and pushing for the solution. If needed they can be your best defenders when things get rough. Most importantly, they will promote or resource the solution meaning they share in the outcomes. You will soon have some great statistics about take-up to counter any criticism.
TAKE ACTION
Become a Member Today
Accelerate your co-design journey and join a community of leaders, practitioners and community advocates who are making a positive impact on their initiatives with the Co.Design4All framework.
thought leadership
Our Latest Articles & Blogs
We are passionate about Co.Design4All and the difference it makes to projects and community initiatives to facilitate and enable successful and better outcomes for ALL. We will share our knowledge, insights, and expertise in articles and blogs to help you successfully adopt and implement co-design principles. Let us know any topics or questions you would like us to address!
Reflections On Success in Primary Healthcare
Team Co.Design4All
What Does Success Look Like? A Year of Recognition Over the last 12 months it has been a privilege for our team at Inala Primary Care to be recognised in numerous ways. First, we won an inaugural Stronger Medicare Award, which recognised our work delivering innovative care to disadvantaged patients. A night in Canberra at …
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Why Co-Design Delivers Better Results
Team Co.Design4All
For generations human history has been littered with evidence that people want to be included in decisions which affect them. In 1789, the French Revolution echoed to calls for liberty, equality and fraternity; one of the most memorable rallying cries of any movement. Liberty spoke to the need to be free of rules imposed by …
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Co-Design In Place Is Better
Team Co.Design4All
Co-Design In Place Is Better, as a sense of place has captivated humankind for millennia. For many, where we come from provides a deep sense of meaning, security and identity. However, for an increasing number of people where they come from is a determinant of lifelong prospects. Our postcode determines how well we live because resources are not equally distributed.
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The Co-Design Paradox: Better Solutions, Faster
Team Co.Design4All
The Co-Design Paradox: It is not about having a few meetings with representatives at the table. It is a process that starts far earlier to define the real need. Digging into that is a real process of discovery which starts with a plan. That plan is for how to explore the current state, engage the big stakeholders who control resources, explore their perspectives and together develop a unified plan for community engagement.
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Unlock Better Solutions: The Democratic Power of Co-Design
Team Co.Design4All
The Democratic Power of Co-Design. The world is full of need. Our resources to respond are limited. Scarcity prevails. We need to unlock better solutions. Beyond the limits to budgets to address need, there are also limits to how people understand each other. Communication theory and teachings on strategy are replete with reminders to:
Read MoreAcknowledgement
of Country
At Co.Design4All we acknowledge the First Nations people of the lands on which we work and the ongoing connection First Nations people have to land communities and waters.