In launching ExperienceFutures.org, an obvious question is why another organization is needed for the design and experience community.

While there are a number of different organizations addressing elements of standards and ethics for digital design and automation, the question of design automation and its urgent ethical implications is a missing link. Still, we see these existing resources as vital even if there are some key pieces missing. Here’s a short list of resources on design ethics we’ve uncovered – there are certainly many more, but these are great places to start: 

AIGA: Design for Good Program

AIGA is the oldest and largest professional organization for design with the goal of enhancing the impact and value of design. They advocate, host events, push professional development and define ethical standards. 

Microsoft Inclusive Design  

This is the methodology practiced by Microsoft designers. This methodology practices drawing from different perspectives to design inclusively. Features a range of booklets, toolkits, and videos on how to design with others in mind. 

Adobe Inclusive Design 

Adobe has made inclusive design part of their mission. Since 2018 they’ve been teaching their designers how to design more inclusively to create better products. This page features their learnings, with toolkits and articles to help others design more inclusively. 

Ethics in Graphic Design

An online forum for exploring ethical issues in graphic design. They’re handbook Ethics: A Graphic Designer’s Field Guide is intended as a resource and a place to start the conversation. 

Value Sensitive Design Lab

This consortium of designers and researchers was founded on a theoretical construct focused on accounting for human values in a principled and systematic manner throughout the design process. They are connected to the University of Washington in Seattle. 

International Council of Design: Professional Code of conduct  

This international non-partisan and nongovernmental organization bills itself as a “representative voice for design.” Designers are broadly defined as professionally trained designers who create visual, material, spatial, and digital environments. 

Center for Humane Technology: Design Guide

This nonprofit, founded by Tristan Harris (ex-Google) fights against tech addiction. They educate the public, support better design, and inform policy decisions to ensure design works toward a better future.