Rafail Andrianos Pappas
Design ethics is currently one of the core issues of design research. Simultaneously, systems theory and systems thinking have been employed to inform the design process, adopting a holistic approach to complex systems that moves beyond the typical confines of human-centred design. This paper builds upon the concept of systemic design ethics, which combines systems thinking and design ethics to address complex ethical issues that designers face.
Value sensitive design (VSD) is introduced as a framework for applying ethics in design practice, focusing on integrating human values throughout the design process. Focusing on VSD as a case study, its values-based methodology is reframed through this systemic design ethics approach, taking systems’ complexity into consideration. By applying the concept of systemic design ethics to an existing framework, this work demonstrates the potential for a better theoretical foundation supported by systems theory and the expansion of existing methodological tools through systems thinking. This can aid designers in gaining a deeper understanding of the complex systems they are designing for and better anticipating the potential ethical implications of their decisions. Examples of how systems thinking can inform and enhance specific VSD tools and methodologies, such as stakeholder analysis, value source analysis, and value dams and flows, are provided. Through this combination, it is shown that VSD can be better adapted to navigate larger, complex ethical landscapes. This work concludes that by combining systems thinking and design ethics, we can reach a deeper understanding of interconnected systems and better equip designers to address real-world complexities.
KEYWORDS: value sensitive design, design ethics, systems thinking, systemic design ethics