Participatory health research and action

A designathon is a three-stage participatory activity informed by design thinking that includes preparation with end-users, an intensive period of collaboration, and follow-up activities for implementation and research.

This guide provides practical strategies for people interested in organizing a designathon to enhance health and well-being. In partnership with the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), a systematic review of the literature on designathons for health and a global crowdsourcing open call were organized. Designathons have been used to develop health interventions and social innovations, inform consensus processes, and spur community engagement.