Ethics and Universal Design

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Ethics in design is something that always needs to be considered. There are many ethic and moral issues pertaining to design that don’t get though about on a normal basis, or don’t get thought about at all until a situation arises. Designers are faced with question and problems involving their morals in which they subconsciously answer daily in their work. It is up to the designer to be able to work thorough these problems and face whether or not they can complete the project, depending on their moral values. I believe it is also up to the designer to practice universal design in order to maintain a fair practice. While trying to maintain an ethical design firm, practicing Universal Design will ensure that the space is fit for all users, and also show that you are making an effort to provide services to everyone. 

While maintaining an ethical behavior within the work environment, a designer may be confronted with many tasks that they don’t feel comfortable working on. Maybe one doesn’t agree with the type of project, what the project entails, or whom the work is for. It is up to the designer to be able to confront either their boss or the client, and explain what the circumstances are, holding them back from completing the project. Sometimes designers refuse to inform their boss how they truly feel about a project they are working on, and in turn don’t work as hard or put forth as dedicated of an effort simply because they don’t agree with what they are doing. Sometimes designers feel threatened by their bosses and won’t approach them regarding circumstances such as this. It is important to be able to communicate about problems as such because it is u not fair to the client to not be giving their project your complete attention while designing. 

Ethics is something that needs to be considered in multiple different aspects when it comes to designing. As long as the designer has an ethical background and morals to go along with it, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. Designers have a lot to think about when leaving the work place or taking on another position. Most of the stuff designer’s work on is in correlation with other designers, making it so you don’t own the drawings. It is up to the designer to be able to ethically make decisions regarding the work they have completed. It is also the designer’s responsibility to report unethical behavior to their boss. Other designers within the firm may act in ways that you don’t agree with, leading to behavior that is not fit for the firm. Some designers have been know to steal drawings, claim they can provide services they aren’t entitled to, and some have even been known to call themselves interior designers when in fact they have had no professional or educational training at all. Although it may not seem like the right thing to do, it is better off you having them be confronted rather then they practice something and have the client be at fault. 

Practicing Universal Design is also something that is considered ethical, and at the same time it is the only thing that makes sense. Many people think that practicing the ADA codes is called designing for everyone, when it is not for everyone, it is for those considered disabled or incapable of maneuvering the space. Practicing Universal Design entails so much more then that. Universal design includes everybody, not just those with special needs. Although providing for those that are handicap, it also provides for women that are pregnant, those injured, children, elderly, and the average human being.  Designing for everyone is much more ethical then just making sure disabled people are able to use the space. If everyone is included, then there is room for expansion to include whatever walk of life occupies the space. I believe it is important to educate interior designers on universal design, so more than just the ADA codes can be pursued.