Methods lab for systemic co-design

Step into a dynamic methods lab where you’ll experiment with participatory approaches for systems-shifting co-design. Build your comprehensive toolkit through hands-on exploration with fellow change-makers.

(Previously called ‘Principles into Practice’—we’ve reshaped the program based on participant feedback and field analysis).

📅 Dates: 31 July 2025 - 11 December 2025.
⌛ Format & Duration: Three modules, each with two live sessions, pre-recorded content and applied activities.
💻 Delivery Mode: Online
📈 Co-Design Maturity Model Level: Understand/Apply

📜 About this training

Build your comprehensive toolkit of creative and participatory methods for systems-shifting co-design. Experiment with strategic problem-scoping, power-sharing techniques, and inclusive engagement through hands-on exploration with fellow change-makers.

Previously offered as ‘Principles into Practice: Methods for Systemic Design,’ we've reshaped this program based on participant feedback from our learning program survey and analysis of evolving needs in the field. The new Methods Lab format emphasises hands-on experimentation and collaborative practice.

Why do this course?

This program builds skills in practical ways to apply the core principles of systemic co-design practice. Participants gain increased innovation through hands-on exploration, enhanced collaboration with diverse partners, and deeper understanding of complex challenges through experimental learning.

This isn’t just learning about methods—it's experiencing them in action. Our methods lab approach means you’ll experiment with different design approaches, test techniques collaboratively, and learn through continuous cycles of experimentation and refinement.

What participants value most about this course:

The community and peer learning environment
The mix of learning methods (videos, readings, reflection, live sessions)
Real-world examples and case studies from presenters
Practical tools to implement participatory practices
Hands-on experimentation and testing of methods to build skills
The supportive and inclusive learning journey

How is it delivered?

The full program consists of seventeen weeks of learning, with three modules across four months. Participants can also register for one of the modules, with weekly content across six weeks.

Our methods lab approach

This course operates as a dynamic, collaborative space where you'll:

Experiment with different design methodologies and tools
Test and refine approaches through iterative practice
Collaborate with diverse practitioners to create solutions
Share knowledge and learn from real-world implementation
Address complex challenges in innovative and effective ways

What you’ll gain:

Increased innovation through hands-on exploration of new methods
Enhanced collaboration skills for working with diverse partners
Deeper understanding of complex challenges through experimental learning
Confidence to implement and advocate for participatory practices in your work

Each module includes:

Two live and interactive 2.5 hour online training sessions
Pre-recorded video content and resources for self-directed learning
Hands-on practice project to apply and experiment with methods (additional live session in a small group)
Case studies showing real-world implementation
Thoughtfully designed individual activities and reflection exercises
Summary slides and downloadable resources for each live and pre-recorded session
Searchable resource repository

Online forum to connect, share, ask and learn with peers and expert

Full program benefits

Participants enrolling in the whole program (all three modules) also receive:

Downloadable program workbook
1 x 45-minute individual coaching call (valued at $250)
Completion certificate
Additional content on preparing for completion and closure
Invitation to join alumni network and continue accessing resource hub (your ongoing methods lab toolkit)
Discounted registration fees.

Who is leading this?

This program is delivered by Dr Emma Blomkamp, who brings extensive experience in co-design facilitation and capability building, creating safe and engaging spaces for practitioner development. We also invite special guests with deep experience on relevant topics to deliver custom content and activities, especially for this cohort. This includes exclusive pre-recorded content from Seanna Davidson and Zenaida Beatson, with live facilitators to be confirmed.

Is this course for me?

This course assumes a basic understanding and familiarity with design, innovation and systems change, but no specific experience is required.

This learning experience is ideal if you:

already understand the philosophy of co-design for social/systems innovation
want more tools and techniques to apply in your work
work in a public, social or community setting
can commit at least two hours per week during each module
can motivate yourself to keep up with content outside of live sessions
thrive in hands-on learning environments and want to experiment with methods through collaborative practice

It is not for you if you:

are quite new to co-design (take our Fundamentals course first)
have a lot of co-design experience and are seeking more critical reflections on practice
(consider coaching or mentoring instead)
only care about increasing profit or getting ahead in your career and aren’t interested in social outcomes
expect the course to make you an expert in co-design or systemic design
plan to watch recordings at a later date and not participate in live sessions.

📆 2025 schedule

The next course starts on Thursday 31 July, with live sessions every second or third Thursday (dates below) between 10.30am and 1pm AEST (Melbourne time).

🕰️ That’s 8.30am-11am Perth / 10am-12.30pm Adelaide/Darwin / 12.30pm-3pm NZ time.

📍 In North America, that’s Wednesdays, starting July 2nd: 5.30pm-8pm PDT / 8.30pm-11pm EDT.

🌎 Located elsewhere? Find out what time this is for you.

Course overview and key dates:

Module 1: Designing strategically to change systems
From 31 July to 4 September 2025.

Understand the purpose-driven nature of co-design.
Determine when co-design is appropriate and most effective.
Identify, explore and scope problems and opportunities.
Experiment with strategic design approaches to reframe complex problems.
Recognise complexity through systems mapping and visualisation.

Live Training Sessions: 7 August and 28 August 2025

Small group session (practical exercise): 21 August and 4 September 2025

Module 2: Learning from different kinds of wisdom
From 11 September to 30 October 2025.

Embrace adaptive learning and deep listening.
Explore an array of discovery and prototyping methods.
Prepare for research and testing.
Respect lived experience and Indigenous Knowledges.
Build your cultural competency and reflective practice.

Live Training Sessions: 25 September and 23 October 2025

Small group session (practical exercises): 18 September and 9 October 2025

Module 3: Rebalancing power in practice
From 30 October to 11 December 2025.

Explore power and group dynamics.
Practise power-sharing techniques.
Understand roles and relationships in co-design teams.
Identify, invite and engage participants from priority groups.
Prepare for collaboration and community ownership.

Live Training Sessions: 13 November and 4 December 2025
Small group session (practical exercises): 20 November and 11 December 2025

✅ Investment & payment options

Pricing:

Full program registration: $1,990 AUD incl. GST per person.
Attend the full program, all three modules. Available if you register and pay in full by 31 July 2025.
This can also be paid in four instalments of $497.50, with the first payment made by 17 July 2025—contact us to request an instalment plan.

Two module registration: $1,400 incl. GST per person.
Attend two modules of your choice.

Single module registration: $725 incl. GST per person.
Attend one module of your choice.

For international participants, full program registration is approximately four instalments of $325 USD, or a total of $1,300 USD. Contact us to request an invoice if you’re based outside Australia or would like a discounted registration for a team of 3+ people.

Your place is confirmed upon receipt of full payment/the first monthly instalment.

Payment Options:

Payment
Register directly via Humanitix to pay via credit card. International participants can contact the team to request an invoice free of GST if based outside of Australia. Learn more about our payment options.

Scholarships
We offer two scholarship places for First Nations practitioners for each of our courses, and a discount for participants with an income under $70,000 AUD per year. Please see our scholarships page for more information and to apply.

Access
When you register, we will ask if you have any access needs or learning preferences. You can view a summary of how we learn, what platforms we use and what accessible features we provide by default here.

💬 Previous participants have said…

“This course is a stellar example of what putting co-design principles into practice looks like! If every design and research practitioner could take this course and apply the teachings to their work, I think we’d have a much better shot at improving and transforming capitalist systems. Absolutely take this course.”
- Risha Lee, Design Manager, Nava.

“Principles into Practice is a mix of real-world know-how and solid theory, all shared in a way that invites you to truly engage and reflect, in a space where you can feel safe and supported.”
- Lucy Cummins, Service Designer, ABC.

“A big highlight was watching how Emma held space for each session—calmly, confidently, and openly. I learnt what co-design actually is—not just in theory, but in practice. In future roles, I’ll be able to advocate more clearly for authentic co-design and challenge situations where something is labelled as co-design but doesn’t truly reflect its principles. I feel confident standing for an approach that is different from the traditional “designing for” model, which often reinforces power-over, corporate, and patriarchal dynamics. This programme has reinforced my commitment to working with people in a way that is genuine, inclusive, and empowering.”
- Briar Goldie, Designer, Impact Collective.

“This course is deeply considered, and expertly blends the theoretical with the practical and experiential. It's an opportunity to slow down, reflect, think, and feel about co-design.”
- Nadia Bagley, Project Coordinator, Roses in the Ocean.

“I absolutely loved the Principles into Practice course. The course content was so interesting and relevant to my work in the lived experience research space. I enjoyed how the course was set out—the self paced and live sessions—as it meant I had time to explore and digest the content, but equally the opportunity to ask questions and connect with the other course participants. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning more in the co-design space, working with community members in a safe and respectful way or just wanting to brush up on their research skills. I have already seen myself pushing for new ways to involve community members so they have more power / decision making capability.”
- Ruby Nelson-Will, Program Coordinator, Haven Home Safe.

“Absolutely loved completing: Principles into Practice from New Know How! An incredible course run by Emma Blomkamp and friends, where I got to meet a bunch of wonderful like-minded, values-driven people from all different walks of life. It was great to learn, practice, and reflect together on our systemic design skills to build a more collaborative person-centred practice of our own. The platforms used enabled sharing throughout the course and a smorgasbord of great resources!”
- Jen Guha, Manager, System, Strategy and Innovation.