Emotions: The Invisible Aspect of Co-Creation Workshops

Abstract

This article focuses on the emotions service designers experience in their role as facilitators. We will explore emotions in the context of a co-creative environment, and discuss how encounters between participants and facilitators generate different perspectives despite a common environment. Facilitators' perceptions of participant emotions are lacking in accuracy due to the influence of their own emotional experiences during a workshop. This article suggests that knowledge and understanding of the emotional aspect of co-creation workshops could provide facilitators with additional support when conducting workshops, and lead to better outcomes and more meaningful experiences for all involved.