This paper explores problematic co-design dynamics in
children, which are defined as a system of intragroup
dynamics occurring within a group of at random or
purposefully selected children sharing a common design
goal. These dynamics impact children’s development of
creative solutions in co-design, but have rarely been
addressed in literature. Therefore, we set out a multiple
case study with 9- to 10-year olds in three elementary
schools. Although not an exhaustive list, our in-depth
exploration resulted in the following problematic codesign
dynamics: the apart together phenomenon, free
riding, status inequality, the laughing out loud
phenomenon, the greatest common divisor effect and
polarization. In further research, we will investigate
how to remediate these dynamics into positive forces.status: publishe