Here is my reflection on a lecture the MDEF class had last week on "ethics of design" and the importance of implementing it in project development
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Ethics in design plays a huge role in my research, which explores how people interact, collaborate, and connect through creative and digital spaces. My goal is to work directly with communities to understand how shared creative processes and technology impact them. By keeping ethical principles in mind, I aim to make sure my project is inclusive, transparent, and flexible.
One of the biggest ethical questions in my work is about assumptions. I believe that the way people think, communicate, and create is shaped by their culture and environment. This means there is no single "correct" way of engaging with technology or collaboration. Instead of following a dominant perspective, my project values different knowledge systems, making sure that various voices are heard and respected.
Having clear ethical guidelines helps me make better decisions throughout the project. Transparency is key(I want to make sure everyone involved understands how the project works and has a say in shaping it). Accessibility is another priority. The tools and processes I use should be open to everyone, regardless of their background or experience with technology. Most importantly, I want the communities I will work with to actively participate in the design and outcomes, rather than just being observers.
As the project unfolds, it’s important to constantly check its impact and be open to feedback. There are always risks, like unintentional biases, barriers in digital access, or unintentionally excluding some voices. To address these, I will keep a system in place where participants can share concerns and influence changes. Regular check-ins, open discussions, and external feedback from experts will help keep the project on track.
Another key part of ethical design is the idea that our choices in designing something reflect our values. My project aims to create spaces where collaboration happens naturally, without rigid rules or predefined results. By giving people the freedom to shape the process, I hope to build trust and a sense of shared ownership. Digital tools will be used to support inclusivity, not create obstacles. However, I know that challenges will come up, whether it’s technical issues, misunderstandings, or unexpected limitations. That’s why I believe ongoing conversations with the community and self-reflection are essential.
Design should also be a shared and open process. I want my project to be community-driven, where people work together to shape its direction. Through workshops, open-access materials, and collective decision-making, I can make sure the project remains fair and transparent. A big part of this is valuing the experiences and insights of those who are often left out of design discussions, such as marginalized communities and individuals with different perspectives. Keeping communication open and encouraging shared responsibility will help build a stronger, more ethical project.
Another important factor is recognizing that technology itself plays a role in shaping interactions. Digital tools, AI, and interactive platforms aren’t just neutral objects, they influence the way people connect and make decisions. This means I have to be careful about how technology is used in the project, making sure it helps communities rather than controlling them. Responsibility should be shared among designers, users, and the technology itself to ensure a balanced and fair approach.
In the end, ethics isn’t just a part of my project, it’s at the heart of it. From questioning assumptions to making sure the process is open and fair, I want to create something that truly benefits communities in meaningful ways. Ethical design is not about having all the answers from the start; it’s about continuously learning, adapting, and listening; respecting and uplifting the voices of those involved.
