CO-CREATION LABS
The Stetho Steps Co-creation Labs are spaces where educators, students, administrators, health professionals, and community members come together to create practical, people-centered tools that improve health professions education.
We use human-centred design (HCD) to ensure every tool is grounded in lived experience, driven by real-world context, and tested for usability.
What You’ll Do
You’ll work in small, multi-disciplinary teams (4–6 members) to:
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Design practical tools such as:
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Game-based learning tools
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Study and revision tools
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Assessment and feedback tools
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Quality assurance tools
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AI implementation and automation tools
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Career development tools and more
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Test the tools with potential users or simulated case scenarios
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Collect feedback and refine the tools collaboratively
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Publish the tool in the Stetho Steps Digital Resource Library, with contributor credit
No prior design or research experience is required. You’ll receive training and support through our skills workshops and AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions.
How It Works
We follow a flexible, iterative process inspired by human-centred design approaches:
1. Discover & Define (weeks 1-2)
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Understand users’ lived experiences, pain points, and needs.
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Define the problem clearly.
2. Develop (weeks 3-5)
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Meet to brainstorm solutions or work asynchronously.
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Co-create a prototype of the tool.
3. Test & Refine (week 6-7)
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Pilot the tool with potential users.
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Gather feedback to improve.
4. Publish (week 8)
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Finalize and publish your tool in the Digital Resource Library, with contributor credit.
Time Commitment
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Total duration: 8 weeks
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Time per week: 2-3 hours per week
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Format: Flexible mix of live meetings and independent work
What You’ll Gain
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Hands-on experience in human-centred design for education
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Co-authorship of globally shared, user-tested tools
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Contributor recognition in our publications
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Opportunity to pilot tools in your institution or setting
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Mentorship from experienced facilitators and peer reviewers
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Certificate of Participation and eligibility for micro-credentials
Featured Tool
Paths & Journeys:
Higher Education
Board Game
Overview & Concept
Paths & Journeys: Higher Education is an interactive, low-cost educational board game in development through our Co-creation Labs.
Using active learning methods like role-play, debate, and case-based problem solving, PATHS helps players build essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, financial literacy, and social entrepreneurship.
Designed for flexible use, the game supports staff onboarding, leadership training, interprofessional education, student orientation, and both formative and summative assessments.
Who Should Join?
Co-creation labs are open to all members of our Community of Practice, including:
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Educators and faculty who want to co-create meaningful learning tools
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Students and early-career professionals who want to shape learning from their perspective
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Health workers and practitioners whose daily work intersects with education
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Administrators who need scalable, user-friendly solutions
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Community members and patient advocates with valuable lived experience
Pathways to Get Involved
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Team Member: Participate in research, design, and testing of a tool
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Facilitator: Guide a team through the 8-week process (training provided)
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Pilot Partner: Test a tool in your organization or community and share feedback
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Mentor/Reviewer: Support teams and ensure quality through feedback and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are lab teams formed?
Teams are formed based on your expressed interests, experience, availability, and time zone. We aim to ensure a balance of perspectives by creating multidisciplinary, cross-regional teams. You’ll also have the option to suggest a project idea or join an existing one that aligns with your goals.
What kind of support will I receive during the Lab?
You’ll receive ongoing support including:
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Orientation materials and onboarding sessions
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A team facilitator
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Access to templates, guides, and tools
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Participation in Skills Workshops and AMA sessions to build relevant skills
What if I can’t complete all 8 weeks?
We understand that unexpected conflicts can arise. If you need to step back, you can notify your facilitator. You'll still be credited for the work you contributed.
Will the tools be available in different languages?
Our goal is to make resources globally accessible. While English is the primary working language, we encourage and support translation of tools into other languages with the help of volunteer translators and regional partners.
Do I own the resource I help create?
All resources developed through the Co-creation Labs are owned by Stetho Steps to ensure quality control, equitable access, and long-term sustainability. However, every contributor is credited, and your name will appear on the published resource. You are encouraged to cite your contribution in your CV, professional portfolio, academic reports, or institutional documentation.
If the tool becomes part of a paid product in our Digital Resource Library, contributors are also eligible to earn commissions when their resource is purchased or accessed through their unique referral links.
Can I join if I’m a student or working part-time?
Absolutely. The Labs are designed to be flexible and inclusive, with asynchronous options and minimal weekly time commitments. Whether you're a full-time student, part-time professional, or juggling multiple roles, you're welcome here.
Do I need to be in a specific country or institution?
No. The Labs are fully virtual and open to members of the Stetho Steps Community of Practice around the world, regardless of geographic location or institutional affiliation.
Join the Next Co-creation Lab
The Labs are open to all members of the Community of Practice.
Click the button to apply.
For more details, reach out at support@stethosteps.com