The Tandem framework: a holistic approach to co-designing climate services
SEI researchers have designed a framework that outlines an approach for engaging intended users of climate change-related services as co-designers and co-producers of the services.
The Tandem framework is designed to inform, guide and structure interaction between the varied participants in this process of linking climate services and climate decision-making. The aim is to enhance the usability, relevance, and sustainability of such services. These are essential issues for climate-resilient planning and policymaking underpinned by science, now and into the future.
This brief includes:
- a summary of key barriers to the use of climate information, specifically for adaptation planning and decision-making;
- an explanation of why collaborative and iterative processes are important for effective climate service design;
- a new framework, “Tandem”, to inform, guide, and structure interaction between the providers of climate information, intermediaries, and users; and
- an urban water-security planning example from Lusaka, Zambia, that illustrates the added value of the Tandem framework.
A shared co-design process can build stronger relationships and strengthen both individual and institutional capacities. Providers of climate information are likely to gain greater insight into users’ information requirements and decision-making complexities. At the same time, users are likely to enhance their understanding of climate projections and data, and their capacity to deal with the associated uncertainties or limitations.