ETHICS in D&T.
There are a number of ethical issues which touch on much of the design that is occurring in the 1990s. Some of these are privacy, public accessibility, confidentiality, advertising, freedom of information, censorship, builtin obsolescence and genetic engineering. As designers, it is important to be aware of the effect of our designs on other people and society in general. It is easy to be left with the impression, especially in the area of medical research, that the endless pursuit of innovation bears no relation to morality or moral consequences. As you read this section, keep in mind this question: How important is innovation compared with moral integrity?
The information revolution that we are all a part of is redefining the question of privacy. Things are possible today that previously have not needed to be considered. information is so freely and quickly transmitted via the telephone, tax, modem, etc., that we are able to know in an instant something that happened on the other side of the world. We are presented with graphic images of violence on the news every night, simply because we are able to. Computer databases allow for collection of large ,amounts of information on individuals. This has led to what is known as direct marketing, advertising mail targeted because you fit the profile of a potential buyer of the product being advertised.
How important is information?
The world has certainly benefited greatly from the ability to collect, collate, store, retrieve and transmit information almost instantaneously. In years to come, will the TV monitor/ camera in every household be an infringement of privacy, or will we accept it as part of modem life?
Medical science is a field of study that is breaking new ground every day. Where would the world be today if Alexander Fleming had not discovered penicillin? Where will we be if scientists are unable to develop a cure for the AIDS virus? Many developments in this field do not attract controversy. The Australiandesigned 'bionic ear' and the implantable pacemaker are examples of developments which are an undeniable benefit. The abortion pill is an example of a development which does not share universal favour. Designers need to contemplate the morality of their research as well as the advances they are making.
A technique of modem design is to build in obsolescence In many areas this is not important, because advances are being made so quickly that longevity is not vital. In other areas, however, products are not built with longevity as a high priority. Can you think of things that must be rated as poor design because they have not lasted for a sufficient length of time?
Design needs to be undertaken in a societal context. If it is appropriate that a design be made to lastfor environmental reasons, for example then it ought to be. If it is gauged that a design will not last, due to fashion or other developments, then it is more sensible to use materials wisely and not make it quite so robust, or use less materials and energy in its manufacture and therefore be more economical.
Another ethical problem in the design industry is that of ownership of intellectual property and of inventions. Any design invention that has never existed before and that is 'beyond the ordinary skill of an expert in the field' needs to be protected from copying by others. Patents are the means of gaining this design protection. The patent of invention is a grant of specified rights by the government of a particular country. In Australia, these are controlled by the Patent, Trade Marks and Design Office in each state. A patent gives its owner the right to exclude others from making, using or selling the invention. A good example of this is the design of a powersteering mechanism used in many Australian designed cars. Arthur Bishop, an Australian, designed the, VARIATRONICE powersteering mechanism, a speedsensitive mechanism which is arguably the most advanced steering mechanism in the world. His company does not produce any of these mechanisms. Seventyfive per cent of the company's turnover is in the form of royalties earned from licensing A.E. Bishop's designs to other producers. The company's Intellectual Property Officer is responsible for drawing up new patent agreements to ensure that the designs are not copied and reproduced without consent
Many designs will never need such ethical considerations as those discussed. The majority of designs and innovations are not pushing the bounds of accepted morality and social. acceptability. Innovation in design is highlyvalued, mainly because of the benefits offered. All designers need, however, to be aware of how to protect their intellectual property by patents and not to intrude on others' patented ideas. These ethical issues need to be considered, as design and innovation should not become an end in itself without any regard to its consequences.
1. Identify the different ethical considerations outlined in the article above. Summerise and briefly explain each.
2. Name and describe five designs that have in-built obsolescence. Are they appropriate designs?
3. Discuss the following question: How does society decide what is acceptable and what is not when it comes to advances in technology? Use medical issues or information technology as support for your arguments.