Difference between revisions of "Value Sensitive Design"
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The theoretical framework that is used in the design of the popular social media site Reddit is an example of a design choice that directly influences the culture and climate of the activity on the site. The design of the Reddit platform is linked to the factor of karma. Karma is a point system that represents how much Redditors value a particular account's contribution. When a user posts or comments on another post, it is accompanied with a total point score that consists of a certain number of upvotes and down votes. Talk about how the sight claims it is democratic in its design. Some may argue that the karma design glorifies certain posts that arent necessarily the best but simply what the most amount of people promote, good or bad. The opinion on if the post is good or bad is dependent on the opinion of the user. | The theoretical framework that is used in the design of the popular social media site Reddit is an example of a design choice that directly influences the culture and climate of the activity on the site. The design of the Reddit platform is linked to the factor of karma. Karma is a point system that represents how much Redditors value a particular account's contribution. When a user posts or comments on another post, it is accompanied with a total point score that consists of a certain number of upvotes and down votes. Talk about how the sight claims it is democratic in its design. Some may argue that the karma design glorifies certain posts that arent necessarily the best but simply what the most amount of people promote, good or bad. The opinion on if the post is good or bad is dependent on the opinion of the user. | ||
| − | == | + | == Ethical Implications == |
| − | ==== | + | ==== The VSD Process ==== |
| − | + | In the Value Sensitive Design process, there is much involvement in the selection of which moral values should or should not be used in the creation of a particular design. Designers are responsible for the values they implement into the technology they are designing. There is a certain amount of moral agency that is required in order for values to be chosen. One must decide which values are worth including in the design and which are not. There is uncertainty that a given value that is non-moral can be distinguished from a value that is moral. This requires both judgment and the room for discussion and disagreement<ref name="Poel">Poel, Ibo. (2010). Value-sensitive design: four challenges.</ref>. If we want our information systems and new technologies to be fair, safe, and just, then we must ensure that our good intentions are heard and implemented by the designers of these technologies. Van Der Hoven argues in her article that specifically, in order to determine if a technology is practicing value sensitive design, the properties of these technologies must demonstrate these morally desirable affordances as well as be able to motivate political choices and justify investments from this value perspective <ref name="Van Der Hoven">Van Der Hoven, Jeroen. "The Handbook of Information and Computer Ethics", Ch 3., "Moral Methodology and Information Technology"</ref>. It must be "verified" that the designed system does indeed embody the chosen value. However, some argue that technology itself cannot fully embody a human value. The same technology may embody different values according to different cultural contexts. On the other hand, different technologies with the same functions may embody totally different values<ref name="Poel"></ref>. Deciding how to use a chosen value to shape a particular design can be taken in many different directions. This requires a blend of social sciences, engineering, and design. It is a challenge to translate this chosen value into tangible design requirements. Design requirements are the steps needed to be taken in order to achieve the desired features of the designed system<ref name="Poel"></ref>. When making choices between conflicting values, there is a chance that two values being compared are incommensurable. Deliberation and reasoning about the disputed value(s) that is required before a decision is made<ref name="Poel"></ref>. | |
| − | ==== | + | ==== Privacy/Surveillance ==== |
| − | + | Digital technology has marked a shift in the protection of one's privacy from physical barriers to online architectural barriers. There is a distinctive Privacy has to do with keeping certain types of information about an individual from others<ref name="Doyle">Doyle, Tony. “Privacy and Perfect Voyeurism.” 27 May 2009.</ref>. The concern with privacy relates to preserving one's reputation, ensuring opportunities are still available, and a general conception of a good life. Designing for privacy includes creating information systems and technology that embody the notion of privacy. That is, designs that make an effort to protect people's private information and allow others to access information about a person at their own discretion. An example of designing for privacy would be Facebook's privacy features. When an individual posts a photo, Facebook allows that person to choose who is allowed to see the photo of that particular person. | |
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Voyeurism is defined as "the practice of gaining sexual pleasure from watching others when they are naked or engaging in sexual activity"<ref>“Voyeurism.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voyeurism.</ref>. It is classified as an invasion of privacy and a form of surveillance that is not tolerated. | Voyeurism is defined as "the practice of gaining sexual pleasure from watching others when they are naked or engaging in sexual activity"<ref>“Voyeurism.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voyeurism.</ref>. It is classified as an invasion of privacy and a form of surveillance that is not tolerated. | ||
==== Bias ==== | ==== Bias ==== | ||
| − | A biased computer system is defined as a design that unfairly discriminates against certain groups or individuals <ref name="Friedman and Nissenbaum">Friedman, Batya and Nissenbaum, Helen. "Bias in Computer Systems". July 1996.</ref>. If a system denies an opportunity or service to a certain individual or group as well as assign an unwanted outcome on unreasonable grounds to an individual or group, then the system can be considered to have been designed with bias. Bias can arise from three different types of origins. Preexisting Biases, whether they are individual or societal, arise from values and attitudes that are harbored prior to the design of the system<ref name="Friedman and Nissenbaum"></ref>. An example of this would be in systems such as computer games that are intended to look more attractive to young boys rather than young girls. In this case, the bias in the system design stems from an overall societal attitude towards gender norms. The second type of bias is technical bias, which results from technical constraints. The code and wireframing systems that are used to create a computer system are not inherently linked to bias themselves but have the potential to create bias when they are used to design systems <ref name= "Brey">Brey, Phillip. "Values in technology and disclosive computer ethics" | + | A biased computer system is defined as a design that unfairly discriminates against certain groups or individuals <ref name="Friedman and Nissenbaum">Friedman, Batya and Nissenbaum, Helen. "Bias in Computer Systems". July 1996.</ref>. If a system denies an opportunity or service to a certain individual or group as well as assign an unwanted outcome on unreasonable grounds to an individual or group, then the system can be considered to have been designed with bias. Bias can arise from three different types of origins. Preexisting Biases, whether they are individual or societal, arise from values and attitudes that are harbored prior to the design of the system<ref name="Friedman and Nissenbaum"></ref>. An example of this would be in systems such as computer games that are intended to look more attractive to young boys rather than young girls. In this case, the bias in the system design stems from an overall societal attitude towards gender norms. The second type of bias is technical bias, which results from technical constraints. The code and wireframing systems that are used to create a computer system are not inherently linked to bias themselves but have the potential to create bias when they are used to design systems <ref name= "Brey">Brey, Phillip. "Values in technology and disclosive computer ethics"</ref>. The third type of bias that is apparent in value sensitive design is emergent bias. This can be found when a system is designed and used, however, the system is used within a social context within a different social context that the designer did not intend. The values that are held by stakeholders are not supported by this system in the way they intended. |
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 13:39, 29 March 2019
Value Sensitive Design, or VSD, is a theoretically grounded approach to design that accounts for human values in a principled and comprehensive manner[1]. The term stems from the interest of designing technology and information systems that support enduring human values. Value Sensitive Design is applicable to many different types of design, including the design of online information architecture and offline information architecture. Value sensitive design is an attempt to provide a theoretical and methodological framework with which to handle the aspect of value in design work[1].
Contents
History
This concept was developed by Batya Friedman and Peter Kahn at the University of Washington Information School in the late 1980s. The Value Sensitive Design (VSD) Research Group was founded in 1999 at the University of Washington by Batya Friedman in an effort to bring together Washington State faculty, students and stakeholders that want to design and develop new technologies that are created human-centered values in mind[2].
Mechanics of Value Sensitive Design
Conceptual Investigations
Conceptual Investigations include conducting research on who the direct and indirect stakeholders affected by the design are. Researchers look at the profile of these stakeholders and determine how both classes of these stakeholders will be affected. This conceptual investigation also looks at which values should be implicated in the design. This includes determining how the value itself should be balanced with different designs and use of information systems[1]. A conceptual analysis of the value itself is completed as well. This analysis can be used to determine if a value is moral or non-moral and should be used to implement in a design.
Empirical Investigations
Empirical Investigations are used to evaluate the success of a particular design. Many researchers who conduct empirical investigations use the same methods used in social science research, including surveys, raw observations, interviews, literature reviews, and experimental manipulations. User behavior and human physiology are also studied heavily[1].
Technical Investigations
Technical Investigations involve researching how already existing technologies either support or hinder human values[1]. After this research is conducted, the design of a new system can begin that supports the chosen value identified in the initial conceptual investigation. Researchers keep in mind the improvements that could be made to the already existing technology and implement this into the design of the new system.
Examples of Value Sensitive Design
Manor House Motel
Gerald Foos is the former owner of the Manor House Motel. His observational focus was to engage in voyeurism and observe the sexual acts of guests staying at the motel. For 30 years, he surveilled guests of the motel and recorded everything he saw and heard. He specifically manipulated the design of the hotel in such a way that allowed him to continue this voyeurism without getting caught. He cut 4 x 6 holes in the ceiling of each hotel room and covered them with aluminum so it appeared to be a ventilation vent. In reality, Foos was sitting in his attic and was able to record his findings from each motel room[3]. Foos situation relates to value sensitive design because Foos designed this hotel "surveillance" system in order to support his prized value: voyeurism. He carefully manipulated the affordances of the given space in such a way that allowed him to continue to practice his voyeurism without getting caught. This example of value sensitive design is controversial because of the debate over whether the value of voyeurism is truly a moral value.
The theoretical framework that is used in the design of the popular social media site Reddit is an example of a design choice that directly influences the culture and climate of the activity on the site. The design of the Reddit platform is linked to the factor of karma. Karma is a point system that represents how much Redditors value a particular account's contribution. When a user posts or comments on another post, it is accompanied with a total point score that consists of a certain number of upvotes and down votes. Talk about how the sight claims it is democratic in its design. Some may argue that the karma design glorifies certain posts that arent necessarily the best but simply what the most amount of people promote, good or bad. The opinion on if the post is good or bad is dependent on the opinion of the user.
Ethical Implications
The VSD Process
In the Value Sensitive Design process, there is much involvement in the selection of which moral values should or should not be used in the creation of a particular design. Designers are responsible for the values they implement into the technology they are designing. There is a certain amount of moral agency that is required in order for values to be chosen. One must decide which values are worth including in the design and which are not. There is uncertainty that a given value that is non-moral can be distinguished from a value that is moral. This requires both judgment and the room for discussion and disagreement[4]. If we want our information systems and new technologies to be fair, safe, and just, then we must ensure that our good intentions are heard and implemented by the designers of these technologies. Van Der Hoven argues in her article that specifically, in order to determine if a technology is practicing value sensitive design, the properties of these technologies must demonstrate these morally desirable affordances as well as be able to motivate political choices and justify investments from this value perspective [5]. It must be "verified" that the designed system does indeed embody the chosen value. However, some argue that technology itself cannot fully embody a human value. The same technology may embody different values according to different cultural contexts. On the other hand, different technologies with the same functions may embody totally different values[4]. Deciding how to use a chosen value to shape a particular design can be taken in many different directions. This requires a blend of social sciences, engineering, and design. It is a challenge to translate this chosen value into tangible design requirements. Design requirements are the steps needed to be taken in order to achieve the desired features of the designed system[4]. When making choices between conflicting values, there is a chance that two values being compared are incommensurable. Deliberation and reasoning about the disputed value(s) that is required before a decision is made[4].
Privacy/Surveillance
Digital technology has marked a shift in the protection of one's privacy from physical barriers to online architectural barriers. There is a distinctive Privacy has to do with keeping certain types of information about an individual from others[6]. The concern with privacy relates to preserving one's reputation, ensuring opportunities are still available, and a general conception of a good life. Designing for privacy includes creating information systems and technology that embody the notion of privacy. That is, designs that make an effort to protect people's private information and allow others to access information about a person at their own discretion. An example of designing for privacy would be Facebook's privacy features. When an individual posts a photo, Facebook allows that person to choose who is allowed to see the photo of that particular person.
Voyeurism is defined as "the practice of gaining sexual pleasure from watching others when they are naked or engaging in sexual activity"[7]. It is classified as an invasion of privacy and a form of surveillance that is not tolerated.
Bias
A biased computer system is defined as a design that unfairly discriminates against certain groups or individuals [8]. If a system denies an opportunity or service to a certain individual or group as well as assign an unwanted outcome on unreasonable grounds to an individual or group, then the system can be considered to have been designed with bias. Bias can arise from three different types of origins. Preexisting Biases, whether they are individual or societal, arise from values and attitudes that are harbored prior to the design of the system[8]. An example of this would be in systems such as computer games that are intended to look more attractive to young boys rather than young girls. In this case, the bias in the system design stems from an overall societal attitude towards gender norms. The second type of bias is technical bias, which results from technical constraints. The code and wireframing systems that are used to create a computer system are not inherently linked to bias themselves but have the potential to create bias when they are used to design systems [9]. The third type of bias that is apparent in value sensitive design is emergent bias. This can be found when a system is designed and used, however, the system is used within a social context within a different social context that the designer did not intend. The values that are held by stakeholders are not supported by this system in the way they intended.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Himma, Kenneth Einar; Tavani, Herman T., eds. (2008). The Handbook of Information and Computer Ethics (PDF). John Wiley & Sons Inc. ISBN 978-0-471-79959-7. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
- ↑ “Value Sensitive Design.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Feb. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value_sensitive_design.
- ↑ Talese, Gay, and Gay Talese. “The Voyeur's Motel.” The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2019, www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/04/11/gay-talese-the-voyeurs-motel
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Poel, Ibo. (2010). Value-sensitive design: four challenges.
- ↑ Van Der Hoven, Jeroen. "The Handbook of Information and Computer Ethics", Ch 3., "Moral Methodology and Information Technology"
- ↑ Doyle, Tony. “Privacy and Perfect Voyeurism.” 27 May 2009.
- ↑ “Voyeurism.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voyeurism.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Friedman, Batya and Nissenbaum, Helen. "Bias in Computer Systems". July 1996.
- ↑ Brey, Phillip. "Values in technology and disclosive computer ethics"
