Social, Moral, And Ethical Design Flashcards
What is a Social Impact of Design
Social issues can arise when a new product has an unforeseen side effect on a group of people.
• This can be a good or a bad thing
• If a product was dangerous or affected a person’s health, employment or wealth it would be socially unacceptable
• Design that has a positive social impact may influence issues such as health and well-being, housing, migration and poverty
What is Corporate Responsibility and how does it work?
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) relates to a company’s efforts to support society and sustainable development; being responsible for their own impact.
- It is a self-regulatory framework that encourages companies
to build long term, sincere goals to find ethical and sustainable solutions
Examples of Companies taking Corporate Social Responsibility
- An example would be a company using paper straws rather than plastic straws like McDonalds or Starbucks
- Also Coca-Cola ensure the lid is attached to the bottle and the entire packaging is 100% recyclable.
- H&M set a goal to make 100% of their garments made from recycled components by 2030
- Volvo made all their cars electric since 2019.
Example of a Company taking Socially Responsible Actions (Case Study)
- Case Study: Bosch
Bosch are a global manufacturing company who have committed to be carbon neutral by 2020.
- They believe they will be the first such organisation to achieve this goal
- Their energy efficiency program plans to save 1.7 terawatt hours of power; enough to power a small city for a year
What should Responsible Companies ask themselves
• Is the health and safety of all employees a primary concern?
• Are employees being paid a fair wage?
• Is there an equal rights policy?
• Are there appropriate training schemes for employees?
• Is there a flexible hours policy for parents who need to pick up children from school or have a sick child?
• Are promising employees sponsored through university?
• Does the company contribute anything to the local community?
What is Moral Dilemma in Design and what are some examples of it
Products can be morally challenging to some cultural or religious groups, but should they be banned?
Examples:
• Computer games can involve shooting and have realistic graphics
• The use of animal fur for garments offends some in society
• Gambling is illegal in some countries therefore fruit machines and roulette wheels
wouldn’t sell and could offend
Examples of Ethical Implications of Deisgn
- Some of the mobile technology we carry around, and that we have at home, is capable of listening to, and recording our conversations
- When would this be an acceptable form of surveillance and when is it an invasion of privacy?
How can designers avoid their products causing offence to people of different race, religion or gender?
• Cultural issues can arise when a designer fails to investigate whether a new product could cause offence
• Common issues are with inappropriate use of colour, words, gestures, signs and symbols that have different meanings around the world
What 4 things can Companies do to ensure Sustainable, Ethical Production
Responsible companies create products that do not negatively impact society or the planet
This can involve a number of measures including:
• Use of labour – is it fairly paid, are the conditions safe, is child and trafficked labour avoided?
• Use of materials – are they renewable, are they ethically sourced, are they used efficiently, are they recyclable?
• Manufacturing methods – are they efficient in the use of energy and materials, do they pollute, are they safe?
• Product profile – does it have a positive influence on society or the environment, will it last, is it repairable and recyclable?
Characteristics of Design that has a positive impact on Society
• using only renewable materials from managed sources
• using renewable energy to power the production of products
• using only recycled and recyclable materials
• designing products to be repairable, reusable and recyclable
• producing products with low power consumption
• designing products with fewer components and less weight
• designing products that are upgradeable to extend their life
• creating products that are sourced, produced and sold locally
What are the 6R’s of Sustainability (what other R’s are there)
(Put in order from best to worst)
(Best to worst)
1. Refuse
2. Rethink
3. Reduce
4. Reuse
5. Repair
6. Recycle
Other ‘Rs’ include Reclaim or Recover, where energy is collected from waste, and Rot where waste materials are composted
How do companies like Fairtrade impact fairly traded goods
• Fairtrade and many other not-for-profit organisations support workers across the globe to get a fair price for their goods, whilst protecting communities and the environment
• Designers realise that a discerning public want quality products with good provenance and try to incorporate this into their product ranges
Examples of where designers have used Inclusive Design
Designs may be developed to be easily used by the elderly, the disabled, the large and the small
• Pedestrian crossings have been designed using audible beeps and bright colours for the partially sighted
• They are positioned within easy reach of wheelchair users
How can some design be made more accessible to a wider range of people
• Sometimes it is impossible to make a product accessible to everybody, however the following methods can be considered
• One size fits all approach
• A range of sizes to fit all users
• Adjustable to allow use by all
• Adaptable to suit the user, location or task
How are people Designing for the disabled?
New materials have enabled new and improved designs of prostheses
• Body scanners and 3D printing technology can make more comfortable, customised sockets so limbs fit better and
can be worn for longer
• Lightweight and flexible materials can improve shock absorbency and freedom of movement
