Tools/30

TOOL

Public Engagement Onion

Short description

The Public Engagement Onion is a visual framework originally developed by the Wellcome Trust that maps the different levels and forms of public engagement — from broad, one-directional communication to deep, two-way collaboration. Like the layers of an onion, the model moves from the outside in: the outer layers represent activities such as broadcasting information or raising awareness, where the engagement is relatively wide-reaching but shallow. Moving toward the center, activities become more interactive and participatory, culminating in shared decision-making and co-creation at the core.

Unlock-hypothesis

The model helps organizations and initiatives reflect on the nature and depth of their engagement: Are we simply informing people? Are we consulting them to gain new perspectives? Or are we genuinely collaborating — involving the public as active partners in shaping decisions, directions, or outcomes?

Lock-in Layers

institutional

Lock-in Cluster

Lack of Motivation/Intention & Habits

Challenges

Lack of a collaborative culture

Link for further information about the tool

https://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/public-engagement/what-is-public-engagement

Link to tool materials

https://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/public-engagement/what-is-public-engagement

Level of effort for application

low

Skill level needed for application

low

Suitable spatial context

flexible

Spatial limitation

no

Visualisation

Tool type

Vision

Toolbox user types

Local administration

Languages

english