A user-centred future for agricultural digital innovation: demonstrating the value of design thinking in an animal health context

PurposeMuch of the literature investigating farmer engagement with digital technology has focused on farmer-centred adoption factors. However, more recent research has called for new user-centred approaches to technology design to promote more responsive development and ultimately more successful uptake.MethodologyResponding to these calls, this study draws on Stanford's design thinking framework and principles to design a digital innovation for use in an animal health context.FindingsThe study details how a co-design workshop was used to incorporate end-user needs, values, and requirements for a digital animal health innovation. Additionally, it outlines how co-design approaches can be useful to identify and address innovation design issues early on in the design process.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the importance of end-user engagement for the design, development, and implementation of digital innovations for the agricultural sector and the importance this has for successful technology development and user uptake.Theoretical implicationsThis study contributes to the literature on innovation development for agriculture and to the theory on farmer engagement.Originality/valueThis study is one of few that applies co-design and design thinking methodologies to the creation of a digital animal health diagnostic tool.