Insights from a ‘Walking Brainstorming’

Definition and Purpose of Participatory Design

A participatory approach to product design involves the active engagement of multiple stakeholders – which may include researchers, end-users, designers, partners, citizens, or employees – throughout the design process. It aims to democratize design by integrating various perspectives and views. The goal is to create user-centred solutions and achieve successful outcomes by emphasizing collaboration and co-creation, iterative improvement, accessibility and inclusivity. Participatory design can adapt easily to technological advancements, utilizing tools like online collaboration platforms and digital prototyping to involve users from various locations efficiently and effectively.

By adopting a participatory approach, this study advocates for a more inclusive and democratic design process for North-South research collaborations. It draws on the understanding that such collaborations have often been dominated by Northern researchers, resulting in power imbalances and inequitable outcomes. By actively involving all stakeholders, the participatory design approach aims to democratize the research process and create user-centred solutions that promote equitable and decolonized collaboration. Through the use of modern tools and methodologies to integrate diverse perspectives, it also aims to foster the effective and efficient involvement of participants based in different parts of the world.

Participatory Process: An Innovative ‘Walking Brainstorming’ Session

The goal of this participatory process was to engage participants from different countries of origin, social-cultural backgrounds, and perspectives in a collective development of tools to drive positive change in research collaborations. We used an approach called Walking Brainstorming[1], created by SessionLab and adapted here for online delivery, to ensure that every voice could be heard regardless of communication style. This is a method that encourages creativity, prevents the problem of a few voices dominating the conversation, and creates an inclusive, anonymous, and introvert-friendly brainstorming environment. It also allows contribution from different time zones.

The participants were invited to an online session from Monday, 25th of September to Sunday, 8th of October, after which the responses were collated.

Process details:

• Period: Monday, 25th of September to Sunday, 8th of October
• Platform: Mural (instructions attached if required) – please join as an anonymous visitor
• Personal invitation: This invitation is personal, so please do not share it with colleagues. If colleagues of yours would like to contribute, please put them in contact with us.

Why they should join:

• Contribute to Change: Their insights are invaluable in shaping the future of North-South research collaborations.
• Innovative Approach: Experience the dynamics of an online brainstorming process that helps to balance power dynamics among participants.

How they could contribute:

• Read each topic: We provide eight topics which were identified through literature review on the thematic of motivations and decolonization practices regarding North-South research collaborations.
• Share their stories and experiences: We invite you to share stories and examples of these collaborations, be it positive or negative, according to the different topics. You can add these stories and experiences by adding and dragging a sticky note. You can align them vertically with the topics, so we know where they belong. As we want to have as many stories and experiences for every topic, we invite you to contribute to topics that do not have many contributors. If the story or experience you want to share does not fit into one of the topics, you can add them to the "others" section at the far right. Please use one text box per story or experience.
• Sign your contribution: At the end of your contribution, please sign the sticky note with a name or nickname and your identity as a Northern or a Southern researcher. Example: Ravi_South.

Background

The walking brainstorming has been part of a KFPE funded project. Learn more about the project:

"Ways of collaborating" refers to the fundamental approach or framework through which institutions engage in North-South research collaborations. It encompasses the dynamics, roles, and relationships established during collaborative endeavors. This topic invites exploration into various models of collaboration – whether they involve participants working as peers with mutual respect and understanding, fostering relationships that serve a specific function, or adopting other collaborative models.

The notes from the participatory process highlight several key areas where collaboration can throw up challenges. First, some participants noted that as collaborators from the South, their involvement in proposal writing fell short of what it should be. This raises questions about how to ensure equitable involvement of both Northern and Southern collaborators in future projects. Participants reflected on previous project experiences, identifying areas where things worked well and others that need to change. Discussions also revolved around the timing of involving Northern and Southern collaborators, for instance when it comes to deciding the main research questions or approving a proposal, and the types of capacity-building that projects require, in terms of developing methodology for example.

The "Enablers of collaboration" concept encompasses the critical factors, practices, and conditions that facilitate and support effective research collaborations, particularly within the context of decolonization efforts. These enablers serve as the foundation upon which collaborative partnerships are built, ensuring equitable, respectful, and transparent engagement. In this topic, we delve into topics such as early communication, spaces for decolonization discussions, trust-building, individual preparedness, and more.

The notes from the process also underscore how important administrative staff can be for effective collaboration. Participants emphasized the need for partnerships to put in place financial and other procedures that are suitable for North-South collaboration in order to avoid complications. Discussions also centered on processes to co-define the research agenda and create collaboration agreements, as well as the need to dedicate time and space for discussions about the strengths and weaknesses of both Northern and Southern partners, which helps to raise awareness of equity. Participants also explored the need for safe spaces and professional support to address concerns and conflicts. They also backed the development of activities that foster mutual respect, trust, and decision-making power.

"Principles of collaboration" are the guiding values and beliefs which underpin research collaborations, especially within the context of decolonization efforts. To embrace these principles, participants first need to acknowledge the need to create a level playing field in the process of creating knowledge, challenge dominant agendas, embrace discomfort, and strive to grow in their awareness of colonized practices. Principles such as shared ownership, openness to change, and genuine participation are also essential to foster equitable and fruitful collaborations.

Principles of collaboration were discussed extensively. Participants talked through ideas of what a "common" decision-making process should look like within collaborative projects, and how to give equal value to all project members’ efforts to generate evidence and develop networks. Other key discussion topics included planning for collaboration beyond the project's initial timeframe, and defining the concepts of "team" and "individual researcher" when it comes to acknowledgment of contributions.

"Working conditions" refers to various contextual factors and circumstances that influence or shape the research collaboration environment, within the framework of decolonization. These conditions include administrative capacity, financial aspects such as salaries, and how participants' positionalities play out within a collaboration. They also extend to how productivity is assessed; the consideration of linguistic needs; resource investments in terms of time, human resources, and materials; as well as accommodating partners' preferences and cultural differences in management practices.

On the topic of working conditions, participants highlighted the need for collaborations to support balance between project members’ professional and personal lives. This discussion centered on a holistic view of well-being, recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance to ensure sustainable productivity and job satisfaction.

The concept of "Responsibility in the collaboration" encompasses the various roles and obligations that individuals and institutions assume within research collaborations. This extends to roles such as data collection or analysis, as well as decision-making when it comes to disseminating research findings. It involves choices such as who gets to publish in scientific journals, or who shares the work with non-scientific stakeholders.

Finally, discussions also focused on the need to ensure shared ownership and responsibility in research collaborations. Participants addressed challenges such as Southern collaborators being called on to supervise students without adequate resources and infrastructure. They emphasized a need to establish responsibility agreements and effective communication channels to facilitate shared ownership, and to promote accountability and transparency within the collaboration.

"Ways of collaborating" refers to the fundamental approach or framework through which institutions engage in North-South research collaborations. It encompasses the dynamics, roles, and relationships established during collaborative endeavors. This topic invites exploration into various models of collaboration – whether they involve participants working as peers with mutual respect and understanding, fostering relationships that serve a specific function, or adopting other collaborative models.

Collaborators from both the North and the South expressed a need for more inclusive proposal writing processes. Experiences suggest a tendency for Northern collaborators to take the lead in this aspect. Participants saw a need to re-evaluate this approach and ensure equitable participation from all stakeholders. Doing so involves reflecting on dynamics in past projects, identifying successful practices that should be preserved, and pinpointing areas for improvement to foster a more balanced collaboration.

Timing emerged as a critical consideration during discussions, with participants noting a pattern of discrepancies between Northern and Southern collaborators in terms of when partners are engaged for a given project. It was suggested that revisiting engagement timelines and strategies is essential to ensure that all collaborators have equal opportunities to contribute at various project stages. Capacity-building emerged as another key concern. Participants highlighted a need for Northern and Southern institutions to share knowledge and resources between them as a way of improving collaborative capabilities within the project framework.

The "Enablers of collaboration" concept encompasses the critical factors, practices, and conditions that facilitate and support effective research collaborations, particularly within the context of decolonization efforts. These enablers serve as the foundation upon which collaborative partnerships are built, ensuring equitable, respectful, and transparent engagement. In this topic, we delve into topics such as early communication, spaces for decolonization discussions, trust-building, individual preparedness, and more.

Complications experienced in previous projects suggest a need to develop administrative and financial procedures which are tailored to North-South collaborations. Participants also believe that a process where all collaborators are actively engaged to co-define the research agenda is crucial if a project is to be owned and directed jointly. Discussions about collaboration agreements, dedicated spaces for equity awareness, and mechanisms for addressing concerns and conflicts underscored the value of fostering an inclusive and supportive project environment.

When it comes to preventing collaboration fatigue and maintaining momentum throughout the project, participants believe it is essential that collaborative agreements are structured in a way that supports equal and fair partnership, equitable budgeting, and regular exchanges.

"Principles of collaboration" are the guiding values and beliefs which underpin research collaborations, especially within the context of decolonization efforts. To embrace these principles, participants first need to acknowledge the need to create a level playing field in the process of creating knowledge, challenge dominant agendas, embrace discomfort, and strive to grow in their awareness of colonized practices. Principles such as shared ownership, openness to change, and genuine participation are also essential to foster equitable and fruitful collaborations.

The idea of having "common" decision-making processes emerged as a central theme. Participants stressed the need for projects to embrace inclusive decision-making structures. They also identified key principles for sustainable collaborations, including the need to balance scientific outputs with stakeholder engagement, and planning for the long-term, beyond the project’s initial timeframe. The participants also stressed that to cultivate a sense of shared ownership and recognition, it is essential to acknowledge the contributions of individual researchers and teams from both Northern and Southern institutions.

"Working conditions" refers to various contextual factors and circumstances that influence or shape the research collaboration environment, within the framework of decolonization. These conditions include administrative capacity, financial aspects such as salaries, and how participants' positionalities play out within a collaboration. They also extend to how productivity is assessed; the consideration of linguistic needs; resource investments in terms of time, human resources, and materials; as well as accommodating partners' preferences and cultural differences in management practices.

The capacity to balance professional and personal lives emerged as a priority. Participants emphasized a need for support mechanisms within projects to ensure the well-being of all collaborators.

The concept of "Responsibility in the collaboration" encompasses the various roles and obligations that individuals and institutions assume within research collaborations. This extends to roles such as data collection or analysis, as well as decision-making when it comes to disseminating research findings. It involves choices such as who gets to publish in scientific journals, or who shares the work with non-scientific stakeholders.

Participants raised issues that arise when Southern collaborators are called on to supervize students without adequate resources, highlighting the important role of equitable resource allocation and support structures. The need to establish responsibility agreements, as well as and clear communication channels for shared ownership, was seen as critical for promoting transparency and accountability within the collaboration.