The method - Coboi lab

The origin of Method 4> 17 is born from the deliberate desire to capitalize from the public administration itself (in this case local) the know-how necessary to promote co-creation processes, without the need to necessarily depend on knowledge external to the institution.

At Coboi lab we are committed to the binomial creativity-methodology and we understand the development of creative processes through the rigor that certain methodological tools provide. The tool we present has been conceptualized to facilitate and guide the processes of ideation, design, prototyping and testing of innovative solutions that respond to complex challenges and facilitate the decision-making process, from a collaborative and multi-actor approach.

The set of tools proposed below are not new, but have already been used in different sectors, studied by many experts and applied in different areas. They are mainly inspired by 3 methodologies: Service design, Collective Impact and Transition Arenas. Specifically, this method is divided into 4 phases (Observation, Exploration, Action Plan and Implementation) and 17 sub-phases.

The Coboi lab team has compiled, systematized and customized the guide to design a guide that is transferable and adaptable to different areas, projects and realities. We invite you to adapt and use it in your own context.

[Good practices]

City pact

4 propeller

The Pacte de Ciutat de Sant Boi was an initiative to reactivate the economy and strengthen the links between the different actors in the territory after the Covid-19 crisis. It was the first time that El Mètode 4> 17 was applied comprehensively in such a large project. It was applied to structure and order the collaborative process between the City Council, companies, entities and citizens, facilitating a fluid dialogue and aligned decision-making. By establishing a driving group and working committees, Method 4> 17 helped generate a structured space that allowed participation to be transformed into concrete actions.

Aalto University

Knowledge center

At Aalto University, Method 4> 17 has not been applied strictly but has served as an inspirational tool to structure co-creation processes, establish agendas and involve key actors. The methodology provided credibility with public officials and other institutions, facilitating the presentation and acceptance of different projects. It helped to structure participation in key initiatives, such as improving public services and thanks to its clear and structured methodology, Method 4> 17 has served to connect researchers, institutions and citizens, providing practical tools to organize collaboration and guarantee results aligned with the real needs of users.

Innovative processes

Public Administration

Sant Boi City Council detected difficulties in administrative management with suppliers , especially in the presentation of invoices and the verification of bank details, which generated errors and confusion. To address this challenge, a digital resource was developed that simplifies the process and improves communication with suppliers. Method 4> 17 was used as a methodological guide to structure the project, facilitating a clear diagnosis, definition of needs and co-creation of solutions with the technical teams. In addition, Coboi lab acted as a facilitator, helping to translate the technical language of the administration into a more accessible format for end users.

Gasol Foundation

Citizenship

Healthy Regions for All (HR4ALL) is a European project led by several international partners (Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Denmark) within the framework of the Interreg Europe program.

This project used Method 4> 17 reference points to structure the sessions with the different agents involved, as well as to approach the project from a relational perspective, focusing on connections and interdependencies.C

Coboi Lab has participated from the beginning as a facilitator at specific moments of the project, especially in the construction of common and fertile spaces between the technical teams of the City Council and the Gasol Foundation.

Electric vehicle

Company

Within the framework of the pilot project of the Spanish Urban Agenda , automotive experts, companies in the sector and public institutions met at Coboi lab to share reflections and experiences regarding the change of model that the automotive sector is experiencing. Thanks to the application of Method 4> 17 future perspectives were shared, shared visions were defined and future axes of action were structured.

Centrum Inicjatyw Obywatelskich

Company

The Centrum Inicjatyw Obywatelskich in Poland works with social enterprises to help them generate employment for vulnerable groups. In this framework, they adapt Method 4> 17 as a facilitation tool to offer support to these companies in the creation of new services, products or internal processes. Although they do not apply it comprehensively, they use several specific tools from Method 4> 17 , such as the stakeholder map, the creation of challenges and tools from the exploration phase. This allows them to delve deeper into the needs of social enterprises and offer them more structured and participatory processes, both in short-term interventions and longer-term strategies.