Design and Creative Industries (DM504-4-M-DCI) ASYNC Master Folder

Activity 2
Activity: Ethical Design Case Study Analysis
Objective: To analyze real-world case studies and identify ethical and unethical design practices, focusing on respecting cultural values, traditions, and intellectual property rights.
Materials Needed:

• Case study handouts (detailed descriptions of design projects, both successful and controversial)

• Access to the internet for additional research

• Notebooks or digital devices for note-taking

• A set of ethical guidelines and principles for reference

Duration: 2-3 hours
Instructions:
1.      Introduction (15 minutes)

• Begin with a brief introduction to ethical standards in design practice.

• Highlight the importance of respecting cultural values, traditions, and intellectual property rights.

2.      Case Study Distribution (15 minutes)

• Divide participants into small groups (3-4 people per group).

• Distribute different case study handouts to each group. Ensure a mix of both positive examples (where ethical standards were upheld) and negative examples (where ethical standards were violated).

3.      Group Analysis (45 minutes)

• Instruct each group to read their case study carefully.

• Ask them to discuss the following questions within their groups:

• What cultural values and traditions were involved in this case?

• Were these cultural values and traditions respected? How or how not?

• How were intellectual property rights handled in this case?

• What were the ethical successes or failures in this design project?

• How could the design process have been improved to better respect ethical standards?

4.      Presentation and Discussion (60 minutes)

• Have each group present their findings to the larger group.

• Encourage an open discussion after each presentation, allowing other participants to ask questions and provide additional insights.

5.      Reflection and Application (30 minutes)

• Provide participants with a set of ethical guidelines and principles for design practice.

• Ask each group to reflect on their case study analysis and identify specific guidelines that were either followed or violated.

• Have participants brainstorm how they can apply these ethical principles to their own design projects.

6.      Conclusion (15 minutes)

• Summarize the key takeaways from the activity.

• Emphasize the importance of continuous learning and reflection in maintaining ethical standards in design practice.

• Encourage participants to integrate these principles into their daily work and to seek ongoing education on cultural and intellectual property issues.

Example Case Studies:
1.      Positive Example:

• Case Study: Nike's N7 Collection

• Description: Nike's N7 Collection, which supports Native American communities, involved collaboration with Native American designers and respected cultural symbols and traditions.

• Analysis: Discuss how Nike engaged with the community, obtained permissions, and ensured cultural authenticity.

2.      Negative Example:

• Case Study: Urban Outfitters' Navajo Line

• Description: Urban Outfitters faced backlash for using the term "Navajo" and patterns associated with the Navajo Nation without permission.

• Analysis: Discuss the ethical failures, including cultural appropriation and violation of intellectual property rights, and suggest how the company could have handled the situation ethically.

By engaging in this activity, participants will develop a deeper understanding of ethical standards in design practice and learn practical ways to ensure their designs respect cultural values, traditions, and intellectual property rights.
 
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