Ethics in Design-Role of a designer
The Social Dilemma
The movie talks about the “behind the screens” of the technology industry. It is more likely a documentary in which ex-employees of the present tech giants who were responsible for those companies to become the tech giants of the present talk about what really happens when we click every single button. The way in which they store data and run algorithms to prioritize what we like and prefer so that we use those applications for a long time till it gets addicted and permanently relies upon them. They are telling that people are not aware of those behind-the-scenes data tracking, recording and things where I have a difference of opinion. As far as my knowledge concerns, people do know that their data is being tracked and recorded. There are a lot of movies in different languages that spotlights these things like The Circle by Tom Hanks, Irumbu Thirai by Arjun, Friend request, etc.,
It also talks about how they influence the present generation of kids and youngsters and isolate them from society and in which they live. It also talks about the increase in depression and suicide rates among pre-teen kids. This movie even makes us think the entire covid situation might also be a pre-designed operation to make the entire world function online by permanently relying on these products and platforms. It is clearly evident that mobile phones have reached into the kids' hands and made them completely rely on the phone. Mobile phones have now become an essential thing from a 2 years old kid to 80 years old person.
Role that designer can play in tech future…
First, let us take a look at the journey of a designer. After a design graduate comes out of design school, he joins a company (any company). Then he has to work for that company, design mobile & web applications for the company, design systems that make the company a number one priority in the specific field or domain. To make the company a number one priority, they do whatever those are required that includes data tracking, data recording, reading your psychology, tracking wherever you go to prioritize the places you like, etc., Every single product/thing has its own pros and cons starting from a simple pen. All that matters is the way it is used. And as designers, we have an important role in which they are being used because we will be the ones who design and decides what those products do and how. And in my observation, people are ok with that. They seem to like that their likings are being prioritized up front rather than they dig deep to find things they like. Until and unless there comes a problem like exposing their private data, stealing their money (direct), etc., they seem to be cool with that. (Which is bad in my personal opinion.)
Ethics and morality play a role in the designer’s design process…
When a designer designs a product/whatever, they think a lot deeper, even though they do not use it. Their hard skills might undoubtedly be excellent, but the one that makes the difference is the soft skills. It is obvious that there is a business behind all these products and platforms but being moral and ethical is also equally important.