Re: Design ethics story?

Hi Julian,

This is you research....

You want to ask about "Ethics in Design"

If the focus is related to law, then each country has its own  
copyright laws. In New Zealand two companies or products cannot be too  
similar with their branding as this benefits one company due to the  
reputation of another [simple possibility].
A piece of design or artwork is provided as an item in charity or  
gift, years later used on a cover of a magazine that makes huge  
profits, without seeking permission of designer or artist [simple  
example].

If the focus is related to traditional artworks....if a member of a  
design team wishes to use a known artefact or traditional pattern from  
a particular iwi then a request needs to be asked in a particular way.
This process is quite substantial requesting that the trust or elders  
of the iwi discuss the proposition - thus this needs to be submitted  
in writing or in person or invited to discuss.
A hui may be set up for iwi to discuss the option, and for all to be  
informed of this possible use of their traditional designs, and if  
this will proceed any further.
If the hui is in favour or not, then the person seeking permission  
will be told.
A meeting will be arranged with member of design team and iwi for this  
to be discussed in full. If positive the use of the work will then be  
discussed to see if the design, is suitable, what it can and what it  
cannot be used for etc.
This process is necessary, to avoid use of say 'appropriated images'  
or 'text' or 'custom' put to misuse. An example of this was a company  
outside of New Zealand naming a brand of cigarette "Maori" or a group  
of female models performing a haka for an European advert.
I am sure there are other 'infodesign-cafe' members that know much  
more than I, who could weigh in with their knowledge in this area  
related to their own country.

If you are talking about ethics in relation to personal principles or  
company principles, then this needs to be known: there are companies  
that will not do work that advertises particular consumer items.
There may be companies that only wish to work with clients who agree  
to pay some of their fee directly to a charity etc... this may be  
another option to open up.
Inviting more people to make a comment on "Ethical design practice" is  
a broad area.... you may wish to ask specific questions to open this  
up more.

I wish you the all the best and you get answers to what you are seeking.

Regards,


Karol Wilczynska


[email protected]
designer   |   educator


On 1/10/2008, at 11:36 AM, Julian Nicol wrote:

> Hi,
>
> My name is Julian - I'm a final year Graphic Design student from AUT  
> university in Auckland, New Zealand (Bachelor Graphic Design).
>
> For my exhibition project, I am looking into the area of ethics and  
> design.
> Specifically targeting the ideas of ethical responsibility to my  
> fellow peers the next generation of graphic designers.
>
> Im looking to form ethical values through narrative. Showing through  
> example, (positive and negative) rather than telling people what to  
> do.
>
> Therefore, If anyone has had any experiences on a job where they  
> have taken a personal stand in favor of their ethical and moral  
> values, or where they have wished they had in hindsight, or even  
> just had a feeling that what they were doing was wrong, I'd love to  
> here from you. Likewise if you have a ever tried to educate your  
> client on more sustainable ethical practices, with a positive or  
> negative outcome, these would be great too.
>
> The idea of ethics is a controversial one, what's your view on  
> ethical design practice? Does it relate solely to professionalism,  
> or are we responsible as advocates of our clients message?
>
> I would be extremely thankful for any feedback. Depending on the  
> story, I would like to conduct an interview in the form of an  
> electronic survey (Email) or brief description of the job. These  
> will be used on a 'offline' website at the exhibition. I will  
> respect anyones wish to stay anonymous.
>
> Once again thank-you for helping me spread the idea of responsible  
> ethical design, I believe it is a very important issue that the next  
> generation of graphic designers must be made aware of.
>
> Kind Regards
> Julian Nicol
> ___________________________________________________________________
>
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