That Quiet Little Voice: When Design and Ethics Collide

Key Insights

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  Human-centered design can be weaponized to exploit users, as seen in the founding of Jewel Labs.

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  The design industry largely relies on individual designers’ personal ethics (BYOE), lacking a shared ethical framework.

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  Dieter Rams’ principles of good design focus on function and honesty but do not prevent ethically harmful products.

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  Power asymmetry is embedded in most design projects, with designers often lacking influence compared to powerful clients.

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  Greater Good Studio practices 'breaking up' with projects to avoid causing harm, a rare and vital practice in the industry.

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  Saying no to projects requires cultivation and support, as designers are typically trained to always say yes.

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  Design primarily serves to build capital and provide comfort, which attracts powerful stakeholders and can accelerate harm.

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  There is widespread unacknowledged workplace trauma and ethical conflict within design teams.

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  An ethical design framework could include codes of ethics, accreditation, licensing, and community feedback mechanisms.

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  The design industry risks bifurcation into accountable designers serving demanding clients and an unaccountable majority.

Notable Quotes