This paper report aims to explore the value of designers involving end users, also known as consumers, in the design process. It investigates the issues surrounding participant interest, covering subjects such as fear of talking in front of groups of unknown people and fear of expressing ideas to senior designers. Through exploring these issues, this paper discusses ways in which designers are able to plan accordingly to attract consumers to the co-design process, while enabling them to express their views confidently in an environment suitable to their investigation. The other aims include looking at how co-design between designers and end users can create better products and to explore whether or not this process can be changed or improved, while the ways in which designers advertise co-design activities to specific members of the public are also included. There are three main methods of research included in this paper. Primarily, the literature review collects and contrasts various authors' arguments on these points, while a focus group with seven end users aims to present the point of view from the consumer. Lastly, an interview with a senior designer with experience in sustainability, creativity and systemic thinking, provides the opinion on the other end of the spectrum. These research methods are brought together into findings, which are then discussed under the research questions: Are consumers interested in providing designers with the information they desire; how designers plan co-design activities to gain the feedback they desire; what are the advantages of using consumer opinions in the design process. The paper is then concluded, summarising the benefits of co-design to the design process, as well as the issues involving user participation.