First NESTORE co-creation workshop takes place in Sheffield, UK

A key strength of the methodological approach followed in NESTORE is the engagement of end-users at all stages of the design process. Participatory methods permeate every aspect of the research in order to ensure that the end-product reflects the community’s needs and perceptions.

It was with great excitement therefore that February saw the coming together of the ‘expert-by-experience’ group in the UK. Ten older people whose ages ranged from 54-93, met at Sheffield Hallam University to offer their insights and to support with the analysis of data gathered in the first phase of the research undertaken by Paul Chamberlain, Claire Craig and Nick Dulake (see also “Exhibition-in-a-box”: NESTORE’s road to co-creation here).

The meeting offered the opportunity for technical experts Leonardo Angelini and Maurizio Caon to meet and hear from the group directly and to begin to formulate how the group will be involved in the ongoing development of the NESTORE system. All ten older people have offered their input for the coming months of the project.

Much lively and important discussion occurred and the group were able to endorse the findings of the first phase of the research undertaken by the Sheffield team and to communicate key messages.

Leonardo Angelini reflected on the value of the two days, commenting that ‘this has been a brilliant experience – having a chance to speak to this community of participants and to hear their voices, bringing the work to life and enabling us to hear what the key needs are. We feel inspired by this process and very much look forward to our ongoing engagement.’

Read more about NESTORE’s co-creation methodology here.