Co-Producing Digital Solutions: Involving People in Technology Decisions
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Technology becomes truly person-centred when people are involved in shaping how it is used in their own support. Co-production ensures that digital solutions reflect individual preferences, lived experience and personal outcomes rather than organisational assumptions. For adult social care providers, co-produced digital enablement aligns strongly with Person-Centred Technology principles and complements effective Support Planning & Reviews.
What co-production means in digital enablement
Co-production goes beyond consultation. It involves people who use services actively contributing to decisions about whether technology is used, which tools are selected and how they operate in daily life. This includes meaningful discussion about benefits, risks, privacy and control.
In digital contexts, co-production also means adapting technology over time as needs, confidence and circumstances change.
Real-world operational examples
Example 1: Choosing assistive technology collaboratively
A provider supported an individual to trial different assistive technologies over a six-week period. The person chose the solution that best fitted their routine, resulting in higher engagement and sustained use.
Example 2: Designing digital care records together
A service involved people in deciding what information was recorded digitally and how it was presented. This improved transparency and increased trust in digital systems.
Example 3: Reviewing technology use through co-produced reviews
Technology use was reviewed during person-centred reviews, with individuals deciding whether tools remained helpful or should be adapted or removed.
Commissioner and regulator expectations
Commissioners expect evidence that digital solutions are personalised rather than standardised. Co-production demonstrates that technology is outcome-led and responsive to individual needs.
Regulators expect to see clear evidence of involvement, consent and review. Co-produced decisions support compliance with the Mental Capacity Act and person-centred care standards.
Governance and assurance
Providers should embed co-production into digital governance by documenting involvement, recording decisions and reviewing outcomes. This provides assurance that technology remains aligned with individual goals.
Outcomes and impact
Effective co-production leads to improved engagement, reduced resistance to technology, stronger trust and better outcomes. These impacts should be captured through reviews and quality monitoring.
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