Creating Human Connectedness in a Digital Space: Online Co-design Workshops
By Dr Natalie Jones
As a Clinical Academic Doctoral Fellow, I began my doctoral research journey in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many, I had to rapidly rethink how to conduct meaningful research without face-to-face contact. My original doctoral study was grounded in co-producing knowledge with service users and health professionals — work that usually relies on in-person interaction.
To pivot my study online, I joined the Social Research Association course on qualitative online research approaches. What I learned reshaped the way I view digital engagement and showed me that connectedness can be created in a virtual space, with intention, planning, and thoughtful communication.
These are my top ten tips for conducting online co-design groups that build trust, rapport and human connection.
Tip 1: The Three Ps — Prior, Planning and Preparation
Enter the session early so you feel calm, organised and ready. Use the time to check camera position, lighting and backgrounds that are appropriate to your research context.
Consider offering a short pre-session appointment to discuss any concerns participants may have about online platforms. Some may prefer to keep their camera off, let them know that’s an option.
Create a short, user-friendly research ‘playbook’ that sets participants up for success. Include:
how to access the call
what to do if technology fails
the agenda and question areas
guidance on online etiquette
information about recording, storage, access and confidentiality
If you plan to record, ensure transparency. Tools such as Otter or Sonocent can support transcription, but always explain where recordings are stored, who can access them, and how any material will be used.
Tip 2: Build Rapport & Connectedness
Digital communication can make it harder to read verbal and non-verbal cues. Be intentional about building connections.
Use platform features that actively support engagement, chat boxes, ‘hands up’, annotation tools or shared boards such as whiteboards. Include simple instructions in the playbook so participants feel confident using them.
Tip 3: A Smile Goes a Long Way
People can still read warmth through a screen. A genuine smile, attentive posture and soft eye contact can all support connectedness.
Small, shared rituals, such as both having a warm drink at the start, can help to settle the conversation and build human rapport.
Ask open questions and listen deeply. Covey’s principle, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood” is particularly powerful online. Try not to focus on what you will say next, stay present and curious.
Smile
“People can still read warmth through a screen”.
A practical tip: a book stand beside your laptop lets you keep prompts at eye level, avoiding constant head movements. A simple recipe-book stand works perfectly.
Tip 4: Minimise the Three Noises
Noise blurs human connection. Pay attention to the three types:
Physical noise:
Mute if needed, silence notifications, and offer participants guidance on creating a calm interview space.
Physiological noise:
Online interviews can flatten tone and clarity. Speak clearly, pace thoughtfully and use pauses and silence to give space. Avoid jargon and keep language accessible.
Psychological noise:
Our minds wander more easily at home. Notice when assumptions, judgements or internal distractions interfere with listening. Return to presence and curiosity.
Tip 5: The Power of Nunchi
Nunchi is a Korean concept meaning the subtle art of reading others, noticing mood, cues and context to build harmony and trust. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunchi
Digital spaces give a glimpse into a person’s environment, but this can feel intrusive. If you comment on something in the background, do so sensitively. Offer guidance in your playbook on using blurred or virtual backgrounds.
Listen to verbal cues and emotional tone, reflect them back, and acknowledge any frustrations caused by technical glitches.
Tip 6: Active Listening
Attend to body language, voice and underlying meaning. Offer verbal reinforcement, summarise and check understanding.
Have a plan for emotional distress. Online, you cannot physically comfort someone. Set clear ground rules in advance, including what to do if the participant becomes upset, and include these in your playbook.
Tip 7: Technology Is Terrific — Until It Isn’t
Be prepared. Understand your platform, test bandwidth, and have a backup plan. A co-pilot can be invaluable, supporting tech issues, taking notes, or monitoring the chat.
If something fails, stay calm. Be ready to reschedule or switch to telephone.
Tip 8: We Learn by Reflecting, Not Just Doing
Take time to reflect after each session.
Who may have been excluded due to digital access?
What was said and what wasn’t?
When did prompts help? When did they hinder?
Did the online format change depth, tone or openness?
Learning from each experience strengthens the next.
Tip 9: Research Online — Not Second Best
Online interviews are not a poorer substitute; they simply require different skills. They protect vulnerable participants, widen access, and make participants feel safer for sensitive topics. Some people genuinely prefer them.
Consider including online sessions and workshops as a permanent option in mixed-method designs.
Explore other creative online approaches: Helen Kara’s creative research methods, digital photo diaries, testimonies, asynchronous interviews, email exchanges, social media engagement or reflective journaling. Rich qualitative data can still be found, just differently.https://helenkara.com/
Tip 10: Healthy Remote Working
Digital sessions demand sustained concentration and multitasking. Protect your wellbeing.
Schedule gaps between sessions
Take movement and stretch breaks
Offer comfort breaks to participants
Avoid back-to-back interviews
Remember, your presence, energy and emotional availability matter. Look after yourself first.
Final Thoughts
Online research and co-design require intention, empathy and flexibility. It can offer depth, access, inclusivity and connection, if we design it that way. Keep experimenting, keep reflecting, and keep sharing your learning with the research community.
Natalie Jones is a National Institute for Health Research Post-Doctoral Clinical Academic Fellow at the University of Sheffield and Doncaster Primary Care. Her doctoral study explores whether patient outcomes in stroke rehabilitation can be improved through intensive eating and drinking interventions in social dining groups. Her stakeholder workshops with patients, carers and NHS staff won the UK Stroke Forum Patient and Public Engagement Award in 2024.
The experiences of stroke survivors with eating and drinking difficulties, in acute stroke units: a qualitative inquiry can be found here:
