Exit Interview #2: Rediscovering the ethical heart of design

Key Insights

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  Kenneth transitioned from senior UX design roles into technology ethics and philosophy due to ethical disillusionment and industry collapse.

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  Philosophy demands a shift from empirical, data-driven thinking to rigorous, logical reasoning devoid of experimental data.

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  There is a growing awareness of the moral impact of technology, but a retreat from ethical responsibility is currently observable in the tech industry.

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  Designers inevitably engage in ethics through decisions affecting others, whether consciously or not.

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  The ethics of deception in design is complex; some deception like placebo buttons is socially acceptable, but dark patterns are morally problematic.

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  AI as a designer raises novel ethical questions since AI lacks intention and cannot understand deception in human terms.

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  Support for transitioning from industry design work to academic philosophy is limited and often requires personal resilience and external financial backing.

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  Academia is a difficult career path with limited job security and funding, especially in humanities and philosophy, making it a commitment driven by intrinsic motivation.

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  Kenneth views his role as translating complex ethical philosophy into approachable guidance for tech practitioners.

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  Despite leaving design practice, Kenneth retains affection for the discipline but is critical of the industry's current direction and values.

Notable Quotes