Ethical design means designing products that are responsible in relation to people, society, the environment, and cultural values. VCAA’s study design places ethical considerations at the centre of product design — not as an afterthought, but as a primary design driver.
The following factors are used by designers to examine, analyse, and critique products from an ethical standpoint.
1. Function
Does the product perform its intended purpose reliably and safely? Does it perform as claimed? Does it enable or restrict the end user’s agency?
2. Aesthetics
Does the design reflect cultural sensitivity? Does it appropriate cultural symbols or motifs without respect? Does it use universal or inclusive visual language? Are aesthetic choices honest (materials that look like what they are)?
3. Materials
Are materials ethically sourced (no conflict minerals, no deforestation, no exploitation of workers)? Are they safe for the end user and those who make the product? Are they sustainably processed and recyclable?
4. Safety
Does the product meet relevant safety standards? Are hazardous materials used in ways that protect users (children’s products, food contact materials)? Is the product safe to manufacture (worker health and safety)?
5. Ergonomics
Is the product designed for the physical capabilities of its end users? Does it cause discomfort, injury risk, or exclude users with disability? Ergonomics is an ethical matter when products systematically disadvantage certain bodies.
6. Sustainability
Does the product minimise environmental harm across its lifecycle? Does it use sustainable materials and energy? Is it designed for longevity, repair, and recovery?
7. Social and Cultural Considerations
Does the product respect the cultural context of its users? Does it reflect and reinforce stereotypes? Are traditional knowledge and craft practices acknowledged and respected? Does it support or exploit local communities?
8. Economic Considerations
Is the product affordable for its intended users? Does the supply chain provide fair wages? Does it concentrate economic benefit or distribute it?
9. Intellectual Property
Does the design respect the intellectual property and creative work of others? Are patents, trademarks, and cultural heritage protected?
10. Worldview
Does the design reflect a worldview that respects all life forms and future generations? Does it reflect Indigenous perspectives on relationship with Country?
When critiquing a product using design factors:
1. Identify the relevant factor
2. Describe the product feature in question
3. Evaluate: does the product succeed or fail on this factor?
4. Suggest an improvement if there is a failure
5. Justify your evaluation with evidence or reasoning
KEY TAKEAWAY: Ethical design is not about one factor in isolation — it requires consideration of function, materials, safety, ergonomics, sustainability, social impact, and worldview together.
EXAM TIP: When critiquing a product, use multiple design factors and be specific. Don’t just say ‘it isn’t ergonomic’ — identify who is excluded, what the physical problem is, and what design change would address it.
VCAA FOCUS: The term ‘design factors’ is VCAA’s standard language. Use it. Lists that address function, aesthetics, materials, safety, ergonomics, sustainability, and social/cultural considerations score higher than vague ethical generalisations.
