Ethics in Design and Communication

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This collection presents critical, analytical, historical, and practical studies on the role of ethics in design practice. Designers navigate challenges similar to those faced by society, including issues of consumption, waste, exploitation, ecological harm, and the political complexities inherent in global supply chains. Compounding these challenges, designers often find their work intertwined with the very systems that critical perspectives aim to challenge, raising questions about how to reconcile these contradictions while pursuing ethical actions in a functional manner. The text recognizes the intricacies of ethics in design and communication, emphasizing that the skills of design and critical thinking are vital in the ongoing quest for a more equitable and sustainable world. Case studies explore contemporary topics, such as graphic design internships, the dark web, and media coverage of the 2016 US presidential election. The diverse contributions from practitioners, scholars, critics, and professionals addressing current injustices signal a positive shift. However, it remains crucial to differentiate between the coercive nature of moral imperatives and genuine ethical deliberation when establishing a foundation for action.