Handbook of collaborative design to solve sticky problems in agriculture

This handbook was developed within the Horizon 2020 project AGROMIX to support facilitators in the participatory co-design of new agricultural products, processes or systems, a bottom up approach to provide solutions to challenges affecting and influenced by different stakeholders. Co-design is recognized as a valuable approach to achieve change, however practical guidelines for this approach and application in the agricultural sector remain limited. The goal of this handbook is to make co-design more accessible and provide users with a step by step approach to developing new solutions in collaboration with multiple stakeholders. The approach was applied within 12 pilot projects in the development of new agricultural products, more attractive products, the design of resilient landscapes, farmer networks, regenerative production systems, carbon farming systems, agroecological mixed farming, silvopastoral agroforestry and supply chain development. Though their challenges and solutions are all different they have all applied the same design approach. Their experiences and advice have supported the development of this handbook. The design approach built upon the Reflexive Interactive Design approach (Bos et al., 2009) which has been adapted based on user needs. We have called the approach 6D; Determine, Direct, Dream & Define, Discover, Design and Develop. In the coming pages we will share the practical implementation of this approach with tools and tips from users.