What do ethical issues pertain to in design and technology?

Ethical issues in design and technology primarily focus on judgments of right or wrong based on societal standards. This encompasses considerations regarding the impact of design decisions on individuals, communities, and the environment. Ethics plays a crucial role in guiding designers to consider how their innovations affect public welfare, sustainability, and social justice.

For instance, when developing a product, designers must weigh the potential consequences of their work, such as safety concerns, environmental sustainability, and the welfare of users. Societal standards often provide a framework for evaluating these impacts, influencing decisions that align with public values and expectations. In this context, ethics acts as a compass, directing designers to create solutions that are not only effective and efficient but also responsible and respectful towards society.

In contrast, value judgments based on economic analysis focus more on financial viability and market performance rather than ethical considerations. Technical specifications of products relate to the functional and performance aspects, while market competition strategies are mainly concerned with positioning and financial success, neither of which inherently address moral or ethical dimensions of design and technology.