People can contribute more concretely by making or arranging something together. The session should explain what their contribution will influence and how the material will be used.
IDEO.org's Co-Creation Session method brings people into the design process through active participation. IDEO.org Design Kit — Co Creation Session.
Define the activity
For a cultural character, distinguish exploring an experience from commissioning finished commercial artwork. Explain the research purpose and the agreed handling of contributed material before the session.
Preserve the decision boundary
A participant's enthusiasm does not automatically approve the final design, and attendance does not confer rights clearance. Keep contributions, interpretations and subsequent professional development distinguishable. The value lies in richer learning and participation, with appropriate follow-up on any commercial use.
Source reviewed 25 October 2026. Interpretation and original diagrams: PLUSHIP / Qunhe. Examples are illustrative.
Related reading
A Character Concept Needs a Coherent Delivery Model
A Concept Description Needs an Interaction, Not Just an Adjective
Collaborative Synthesis Needs a Path Back to the Original Research