ETHICS IN DESIGN

                                                                                                         
                                                                                                       Table of Content.
                                                                                          Ethics in design.
                                                                                          Meaning of Ethics.
                                                                                          Conduct of Designers.

                                         Code of Ethics

                                                                                          Ethical issues in Graphics Design.  

               

           
ETHICS IN DESIGN.     
                  Ethics is a very important topic to understand in design. In the text they state, “being human-centered also ensures that designers are truthful and open in their design practice” (Benyon 25). Good design should be aesthetically pleasing and ethical because it will enable the user to not only enjoy the product but it will ensure that it will not cause any harm. Realistically it’s hard to find design that incorporates both elements. If a designer wants to act in an ethically responsible manner, “it is imperative to put forth personal effort in understanding ethical conflicts rather than trying to follow any predefined safe rules...ethics is a process of learning – not a process of obedience” (mlab). There are many ways designers can learn about ethical practices. For instance the web has thousands of site dedicated to ethical guidelines. These will be discussed later. Its important to start with defining ethics.


Meaning of Ethics?
                    Ethics is a very important topic to understand in design. In the text they state, “being human-centered also ensures that designers are truthful and open in their design practice” (Benyon 25). Good design should be aesthetically pleasing and ethical because it will enable the user to not only enjoy the product but it will ensure that it will not cause any harm. Realistically it’s hard to find design that incorporates both elements. If a designer wants to act in an ethically responsible manner, “it is imperative to put forth personal effort in understanding ethical conflicts rather than trying to follow any predefined safe rules...ethics is a process of learning – not a process of obedience” (mlab). There are many ways designers can learn about ethical practices. For instance the web has thousands of site dedicated to ethical guidelines. These will be discussed later. Its important to start with defining ethics.

Definition of 'Code Of Ethics.

A guide of principles designed to help professionals conduct business honestly and with integrity. A code of ethics document may outline the mission and values of the business or organization, how professionals are supposed to approach problems, the ethical principles based on the organization's core values and the standards to which the professional will be held.



Conduct of Designers.

·         Design professionals have certain fundamental obligations to society, to clients, to the profession, and to peers and colleagues. The Code of Professional Conduct states guidelines and rules for the conduct of design professionals in fulfilling those obligations. The Code is arranged in three tiers of statements: Canons, Ethical Standards, and Rules of Conduct.

·         The Code applies to the professional activities of all categories of design professionals, across the many industry disciplines. Membership in The Academy of Design Professionals is voluntary. By accepting membership, a designer assumes an obligation of self discipline above and beyond the requirements of laws and regulations.

·         Compliance with the Code, as with all law and rules in an open society, depends primarily upon understanding and voluntary compliance, secondarily upon reinforcement by peer and public scrutiny, and finally, when necessary, upon enforcement through disciplinary action against members who fail to comply with the Rules. The Code does not, however, exhaust the moral and ethical considerations that should inform a design professional, for no worthwhile human activity can be completely defined by laws or rules. Even so, the Code is wholly concerned with ethical constraints for professionalism; the Rules are not compromised by elements concerning social agendas or activism, but simply provide a moral and rational framework for the ethical practice of design.

·         Where it appears, commentary is meant to clarify or elaborate the intent of a rule. The commentary is not part of the Code and is included to assist those seeking to conform their conduct to the Code.

·         This Code is intended to promote the highest quality of practice in all forms of design and to strengthen public confidence in the profession. Toward that end, The Academy of Design Professionals sets forth the following.

Ethical issues in Graphics Design Business.
                  During our careers, whether as graphic designers, web designers, fashion designers or any other career, we will most likely have to learn about ethics in the workplace.  Ethics do not only play a role in our normal day-to-day activities, such as attending a wedding, tipping our waiters and receiving guests in our home, ethics also are a part of our business life.  There are several ethical issues that can arise in the workplace, no matter the type of work.  Ethical issues are subjects or events that could create questions about what is right and what is wrong.  Even though there are many ethical issues that could rise in all types of jobs, there are also ethical issues that could rise in jobs that are only related to design.


A Graphic Designer, especially a Freelance Graphic Designer, encounters numerous of different people and companies that they will probably do design work for.  However, the graphic designer may or may not agree with what that particular company or individual stands for or wishes to advertise.  This raises a question of right or wrong, an ethical issue, for the designer.  Graphic designers should know from early on in their career who would they not design for and who would they design for, keeping in mind that what a graphic designer creates is a message for an audience.   For example, would you create campaign posters for a politician who approves of abortion; would you create a logo for a rock band that believes in and follows the devil’s teachings; would you create a package design for a company that sells cigarette shaped candy to children; or would you create a website for a pornographic site.  The decision will always be up to the graphic designer and will most likely depend on his or her own morals and belief system.  Ultimately, if a designer does not agree with it, then he or she should not take on the work.

Reference: Berry (2004) Internet Ethics: Privacy, Ethics and Alienation – An Open Source Approach. (PDF file)