Tagged: Twitter

The importance of empathy in design is sometimes exaggerated. How can I, a white male in his forties, truly empathize with, for example, a 16-year old sex worker? This is why I speak about design impact, and inclusive design, which allows me to help when true empathy is lacking.

Don't get me wrong. If it could be proven that there is such a thing as an empath I would define myself thus. I can feel and adopt immense and overwhelming emotion from others. But those feelings can also be misleading. They trick me into thinking I understand the other person.

I can never be sure of understanding the frame of reference or experience of another person which is why I need to actively explore the impact of paths I choose in design. I need to see how people are hurt by design and evaluate inclusive/exclusive qualities of my work.

I need to consider all the vulnerable people I do not as easily empathize with, as I do with groups closer to my "circle". As a white male designer I need tools to help me think broader, because my privilege means I am less apt at understanding risk [as shown in research].

It is my hope that a greater awareness about responsible innovation, designing with a conscience, will force the design industry to adopt a healthier path in the tech revolution ahead. I see many voicing similar thoughts and the future looks heartening.

🔗 Originally posted on Twitter

There are five main reasons we make poor decisions:

1. time constraints
2. external pressure (social, workplace)
3. multi-tasking
4. lack of enough info (inc. goals)
5. lack of self-awareness

Now ask me why I think we have so much unethical design being released into the world.

🔗 Originally posted on Twitter