Ethics and Morals

Four Ethical Approaches in Design

1. Utilitarianism

2. Duty Ethics

3. Virtue Ethics

4. Capability Approach

Utilitarianism

Focused on broad outcomes. This ethical approach holds that the most ethical choice is the one that produces the most good for the greatest number of people.

Duty Ethics

also called deontological ethics, asserts that there is a definitive answer to whether an act is right or wrong. Approach for a designer means "doing the right thing" even when it is difficult or cumbersome

Virtue Ethics

an action is only believed to be right if it is the type of action that a virtuous person would perform. Designers applying this create websites and apps that focus on transparency and integrity for the user, buildings and interiors that promote healthy and productive behaviors, and products that facilitate a virtuous life through care for self and others

Capability Approach

An ethical framework for human welfare that focuses on a person's real freedoms and ability to realize a valuable life. It is acknowledged that people have different circumstances due to human diversity and agency that affect their ability to turn resources into achievements. For a designer, this approach entails creating designs that are inclusive and considerate of the capabilities and functioning of as many users as possible

What are the core concepts in the Capability approach?

- Functioning - The "doings" and "beings" that make up a person's life

- Capabilities - The real freedom of opportunity that a person possesses

- Conversion Factors - The personal, social, and environmental factors that influence how a person can convert resources into functionings

- Human Diversity and Agency - People are diverse and have the ability to make their own choices. Choices are distinct from a lack of capabilitity

- Mean-Ends Distinction - Resources (means) are not the same as well-being (ends)

What is the right Ethical Framework for Design?

Designers should consider all four ethical approaches when designing. Each has individual value, and each has drawbacks that are worth keeping in mind.

- Utilitarianism, because it ensures that a design does the greatest good for the largest number of users

- Duty ethics, because it ensures that a designer tries to do the right thing, even if it is more difficult than another option

- Virtue Ethics, because it ensures that the designer seeks to create work in line with their values

- Capabilities Approach, because it ensures that users of varying backgrounds and capabilities are considered in the execution of a design