Techno-Ethos: Inquiry into Design Ethics
With the backdrop of the accelerating and ubiquitous nature of emerging technologies, my self-directed undergraduate thesis while at OCAD University, explored the future sociological implications of the present Fourth Industrial Revolution.
My research revealed that this epoch, is one in which emerging technologies are disrupting all facets of human life including the deterioration of societal values. With the insights that: technologies influence is not neutral; both innovation and society are co-constructed and co-shape one another it became clear that design thinking needs to evolve to adapt to these growing needs and safeguard against existential risks.
My proposed solution understands the field of design as a form of applied ethics, and offers an ethical design thinking toolkit for fellow designers to develop moral thinking in their practices.
The process
Theory + Research Methods
Supporting research questions were addressed through literature reviews across a breadth of disciplines, including the philosophy of technology, philosophy of ethics, and social technology studies.
Literature reviews were conducted in tandem with strategic foresight research methods of horizon scanning, data maps, and mega trend analysis and synthesis.
Design Methods
Concept directions were developed through an initial antithesis scenario, followed by themes, generative questions, iterative applications, user scenarios, journey maps, and evaluated using the ideation portfolio method.
The concept directions developed included: ethically driven innovation; moral refinement through designing for the human-machine hybrid; and designing for experiences that deconstruct the human as a social construct.
Design Development + User Testing
The concept direction of ethically driven innovation was further developed through an ethically certified business model and toolkit for designers that emphasizes moral development throughout the design process.
The proposed user testing included a facilitated design sprint for designers and a facilitated discussion with an expert focus group to evaluate the effectiveness of the toolkit.