2.3-Social, moral and ethical issues Flashcards
Overview of social, moral, ethical issues
- development of more powerful microelectronic products and the growth of web content, along wih fibre optic and wireless mobile connectivity, has created a range of benefits and potential harm
- e.g. the contrast between highly sophisicated medical scanning equipment being used to save lives and smartphones being used for cyber bullying
- the work of some designers e.g. William Moris minimised effects on local and wider communities, and addressed the unfairness and greed often associated with the aquisition of belongings
- companies more aware of coporate social responsibility- a scheme to optimise their social responsbility and sustainability
Two examples of corporate social responsiblity- Lego Group and Disney
Lego Group
- targeting 100% renewable energy capacity
- targeting use of solely sustainable raw material by 2030
- working with WWF on methods of reducing emissions
Disney
- encourages workers to volunteer for charity work
- provides significant support in natural disaster situations
- plants trees in rainforests, using natural history film revenue
Military technological developments- miniaturised missile guidance technology- beneficial use to society
-PillCam internal medical imaging system
Military technological developments- Second World War use of radar- beneficial use to society
- global air travel
- microwave ovens
Military technological developments- anti chemical weapon syringe for soldiers- beneficial use to society
-EpiPen for diabetes and allergic reactions
Military technological developments- US defence location system (1970s)- beneficial use to society
-global positioning satellite devices
Military technological developments- Second World War use of penicillin- beneficial use to society
-increased use of antibiotics
Military technological developments- First World War unmanned winged torpedoes- beneficial use to society
-drones
Military technological developments- jet engines for Second World War military aircraft- beneficial use to society
-global air travel
Military technological developments- parachute materials development in Second World War- beneficial use to society
-nylon and other synthetic materials
Ethical problems- Minas Gerals dam
- substantial damage caused by metal ore extraction such as the Minas Gerals iron ore mine dam disaster where many people died
- the dangers of manufacturing toxic chemicals, such as the Union Carbide, Bhopal, methyl isocryanate disaster, in which thousands of people died
- several workers comitted suicide at the Foxconn iphone factory in China, allegedly due to the stress of working conditions
Examples of good sustanaiblity and ethical pratice
- starch based biodegradable PLA polymer starting to grow in popularity
- FSC scheme ensures sustainable timber use
- conducting pre project sustainability reviews
- local sourcing of materials to reduce transport energy requirements
- address issues such as slave and child labour by implementing the International Labour Organization Ethical Trading Intitiative for fair/safe working practces
- label and maket products in an honest way for condumers
- local sourcing of materials to reduce transport energy requirements
- use Fairtrade certified products and practices when possible
Why does culture need to be accepted in design
- essential for companies to avoid creating offensive products dor their domestic and global markets
- if potential customers are offended and alienated, there is a financial cost and other wider advantages for the business
What aspects must designers consider and research when considering culture
- how products are perceieved by different genders
- the cultural significance of aspects such as the colour of products perceieved in various countries
- religious belifs, traditions and customs that made by outside a designer’s expereince
What is inclusive design, defined by the BSI
- the design of mainstream products and/or services that are accessible to, and usable by, as many people as reasonably possible, without the need for special adaption of specialised design
- the Disability Dicrimination Act 1995 has made an impact on many areas, such as public transport and accessibility
- designers must accomodate a diverse range of people without stigmatising them