Ethics: Proscodi Designer / Client Survey

Comments on the ethics question for both client and designer surveys

In the design industry, what qualities describe ‘ethics’?

Results: Proscodi Designer Survey results

First, let us define ethics: “With regard to professions, a code of professional standard, containing aspects of fairness and duty to the profession and the general public”*.

Respondents defined ethics primarily with the words honesty, respect, loyalty, accountability and confidentiality. All stressed the need for creating the best possible work by following the intent of each of those words by listening to the client and fostering two-way communication. Specific ethical standards within the GD community stressed not using pirated software and/or student software for professional work, deliberate lowballing to gain work, concept theft and respecting copyright laws. On the designer side was a need to deliver product in a timely manner and giving the client what they asked for, when they asked for it (provided that the client does not suffer from severe “urgency bipolar disorder”, where the client wants it now, but they wait three weeks before they give you the material you need to get it done now). Also included was refusing work that might violate such ethics, like copying a site because a client wants ‘the same thing.&rsquo.

In the design industry, what qualities describe ‘ethics’?

Results: Proscodi Design Client survey results

Most of the comments mirror the designer’s standards, with a good amount of emphasis on responsible business conduct and providing original ideas over ‘regurgitation’ of the same ideas over and over again. Another major factor was ensuring that the concepts agreed upon would be delivered on time and at the originally quoted price without ‘hidden fees.’ The overall impression here, though, is that the ORIGINAL price should be adhered to, and that any additional fees (overtime, additional services, etc.) are often looked at askance. I realize that this colors the survey, but I felt the need to cover this here, because it was pretty blatant. (Make them read those contracts, folks!)

One major difference can be summed up with this quote: “(the client’s) ideas are important, not (the designer’s).” Many client-respondents believed ethics included design to their specifications without occluding the work with a designer’s personal view, sort of an ‘opinion-less’ design process. No statement clarified the difference between a designer’s ‘personal opinion’ and a professional design-educated opinion. This statement neatly divided consumer from the provider in one neat slice, and might explain the need for client education into what a designer does for a living.

*filched from the Internet and don’t ask me which site, even though it’s not ethical for me to use the definition.**

**Title Guarantee because it was a very good definition, folks.

by Tom Dyer