OUGD505 seminar Ethics and Practice

What are ethics?
- moral principles that govern a person's behaviour
- standards to abide by

• Do you think ethics is important in graphic design? why?

Ethics is important in that design needs to be considered with the audience in mind, so that the production is appropriate. There is however, the approach that ethics may not be considered as it may not be appropriate to the intentions of your work (they may intentionally go against the ethics).

• what defines "good" in graphic design?

Having core morals and standards to go by when working in the world of graphic design.

• what does ethical practice entail in graphic design - what principles?

Consideration within the practice (materials and process etc.) Recycling could be something to consider in relation to saving the environment. Ethics also depend on the person applying them to graphic design. Their moral principles may go against the process or ideas required for a brief.

"Good design is good citizenship" - Milton Glaser

Freedom of speech is also an important factor, which shouldn't be put in a position to be changed to a clients needs.

Themes of the philosophies

• being a good citizen
• who to work for
• influence and persuasion
• aesthetics and ethics
• value and purpose

3 principles of ethical practice that would be beneficial to adapt.

• Allow ethics to play a part in decisions you make as a graphic designer, however it is also beneficial to try alternative routes to a problem.
• Use of ethics in design is important as you will design with the audience in mind.
• Ethics is important for the development of societal values and brings with it unique and flourishing ideas to the world.

How does sustainability relate to ethics?

• ethics proceeds sustainability, because it is more broad and a more naturalistic approach to graphic design. Sustainability is more functional and engaging with a project. What are the sustainable factors of a project? For example packaging design may be considered with sustainability in mind to cover environmental issues. 

Footprint - ethical printing service

Cast iron design, Boulder, USA - design company

Re-Nourish - online tool box/ ideas for sustainability