Value Sensitive Design
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 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.
Problems
What Values to Include in Design?
One issue presented when engaging in the design value sensitive design process is deciding what values to implement into a design. 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[3].
How to use these values to shape the design process
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[3].
Choosing between conflicting values
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[3].
Verifying the designed system embodies the intended values
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[3].
Ethics in Value Sensitive Design
Privacy
Privacy has to do with keeping certain types of information about an individual from others[4]. 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"[5]. It is classified as an invasion of privacy and a form of surveillance that is not tolerated.
Examples
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[6]. 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.
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.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Poel, Ibo. (2010). Value-sensitive design: four challenges.
- ↑ Doyle, Tony. “Privacy and Perfect Voyeurism.” 27 May 2009.
- ↑ “Voyeurism.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/voyeurism.
- ↑ 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
