Ethical Design
How Evolving Technology Affects The World
In the UX Special Topics course, we have been discussing the ethical implications of the internet: lack of privacy, decreased safety, and even addiction. As a design student, it has been an eye-opening and impactful experience.
In an ideal world, designers would be required to take classes in psychology, data security, and ethics. They would attend workshops on addiction and understand the impact their designs have. Companies would use “opt-in” data collection instead of “opt-out.” Third-party sharing would be minimal. Children’s data would never be collected.
But this is simply not the world we live in. Our world is corrupt and businesses are driven by a bottom-line approach. So how can we, as designers, make in impact? The most important thing I have learned is that there is power in design. With a new understanding of that power, I established my ethical manifesto.
I started with six core values.
- Transparency and Honesty
“Honesty is when you reveal the truth you feel needs to be known. Transparency is when others can see for themselves the truths they feel they need to know” -Unknown
Although both important, they are not the same thing. For example, when regarding privacy policies and third-party data sharing, companies should be transparent and place all information in an easy-to-find location. However, they should also be honest, meaning they should be forthcoming with that information. This information should include what data is being collected, who has access to it and how it will be used.
2. Ethical Evaluation
Good intentions are simply not enough. An evaluation of the ethical consequences before a product is released is essential in holding ourselves accountable. These conversations should be well documented and frequent. Even if a decision is made to move forward, that conversation will help reduce liability and prepare for unforeseen outcomes.
Things to consider:
What could this technology do in the worst hands? What kind of physical impact will this have on people? Will this do more harm than good?
3. Mutual Respect
I am not against data collection or the internet. In fact, I am excited about it and the things we can create to enhance human life. When done in a respectful way, it is a win-win situation. Markets are conversations. When the brand and the consumer are partners, working together to improve one another, technology has endless possibilities.
There is value in data. In exchange, customers should receive some type of benefit. This social contract should be understood and respected by both parties.
4. Comprehension and Medium
Efforts should be made to educate the user, or the user’s parents, of potential consequences in a way that is simple. We should provide the tools necessary for a user with little education to make an educated choice for themselves.
I was inspired by Marshall McLuhan’s lecture “The medium is the message.” The internet has changed the way humans take in and perceive information. For this reason, the privacy policy should change as well. In my opinion, the mediums should correlate. For example, in a video app, the privacy statements should be video.
The message should be presented in a way that resonates with the core audience. It should be engaging, visually pleasing, even interactive.
5. Physical Saftey
Individual team members should not have access to personal data. Every effort should be made regarding the security of that data. Physical consequences should be evaluated and linked to preventative measures. For example, hands-free driving modes and do-not-disturb modes that actually work.
Similarly, we should consider addiction and it’s relationship to technology. More and more people, especially young people, are addicted to their phones and video games. It is a portable dopamine pump. Is this somehow better than recreational drug use?
In his Ted Talk, Johann Harri explains that by creating products that create barriers to social connection, such as the streak feature on Snapchat, we are cultivating addiction. Addiction derives from boredom and a desire for stimulation, connection and loneliness.
6. Humane Design
Another source I took great inspiration from was Tristan Harris and his non-profit the Center for Humane Design. After leaving Google, Harris has made it his mission to “realign technology with humanity’s best interests.”
Humane design is compassionate. It looks at human nature and our vulnerabilities before looking at profit models. Designers should not purposefully design features into our products that cause harm.
What does this translate to?
Based on these values, I have made myself two promises:
1. I will stop and consider the ethical consequences of my projects.
II. I will use humane design principles when designing a product, platform or network.
Action Plan
Ethics is vague and conceptual. So what does being an ethical designer actually look like?
- Having conversations regarding ethics, document these conversations and consider them when making design choices.
- Staying up to date with global changes regarding these issues.
- Being mindful of which companies I affiliate with. Doing my due diligence when onboarding a project and understand the client’s own ethics.
- Creating tangible reminders of my core values and place them throughout my life. I plan to create an insert for my notebook and wall art for my office.
- And finally, designing with a clear purpose that I believe in, trusting my gut and understanding the power of my choices.
