Designing for Shared Values: Exploring Ethical Dilemmas of Conducting Values Inclusive Design Research

Abstract

Recent prevalence of values-inclusive design research introduces the potential of conducting research with those whose values conflict with researchers' own values. This is the scenario we have found ourselves in as we conduct values-inclusive participatory design to develop and deploy critical digital literacy education in a rural Appalachian community. We present provocations which outline the ethical concerns we have grappled with in pursuit of conducting fair and responsible research for our participants, indirect stakeholders, and ourselves. Through consideration of these provocations, we have developed a preliminary approach for managing a research relationship with those with whom we disagree which we call Designing for Shared Values. This approach is a conflict-avoidant method for negotiating values in values-inclusive design. It centers around reflexivity as a mechanism to account for one's own values and potential impacts of design research outcomes on indirect stakeholders, while maintaining responsibility to prioritize beneficial outcomes to research participants.