Category:Design Ethics

Ethics is a big topic. It should be. The decisions we make as designers affect everything about the product.

Right now this article is a dumping ground.

Our responsibilities

• A three part plan to save the world by Erica Hall argues that "a good experience" isn't necessarily good; not for the user, not for the business, and not Good as in ethical or right. She proposes a method of value-centered design, which would put the values we want to foster for the user and the organization (and the overall world). To do that, she advocates for combining the customer journey map with a business journey map, and a journey map of how the product affects the overall world. This will show where things are of value and to whom. From there, it's easier to find the gaps, discuss the gaps, and improve them.

"Panel 1: picture of a bridge. Professor: It was a similar situation, but over a hundred years ago: engineers hadn't designed their new bridge in Quebec properly, they ignored the warning signs... Panel 2: collapsed bridge. Professor: ...and it collapsed during construction. 75 lives lost, needlessly. Pointlessly. None of it would've happened if the engineers had done their jobs right. Panel 3: picture of Doreen Green, aka Squirrel Girl, in the lecture hall, her hand on her friend Nancy. Professor (off panel): After that disaster, we began to see the power that the people who build things have over everyone's lives, with that extraordinary power... Doreen: Oh man Nancy here it comes Panel 4: back of Professor's head, facing the lecture hall. Doreen can be seen over the professor's right shoulder. Professor: ...the extraordinary responsibility. Doreen: Yesss! Panel 5: A secret society's doorway, guarded by two men in black suits. Professor (overlaid on panel): Since that disaster, professional engineers in Canada don't just graduate; they have to pass an ethical examination, work as an apprentice, and have character witnesses before they're accredited. They gather in a private ceremony00in the presence of their betters and their equals--and they swear to do better" Panel 6: Professor holding up her left hand and pointing at the ring she wears on her pinky finger. Professor: And on their dominant hand each wears a ring made from he same sort of steel used in that collapsed bridge. With every report they write and every blueprint they sign off on, they feel the weight and drag of that steel, reminding them of their responsibilities. Panel 7: Professor behind the podium. Professor: When you develop software, you should feel that same responsibility Canadian engineers learned the hard way. Strangers will place their lives in the hands of you--and your software--every day. You are being trained to handle that power. Be ready."