I swear to make the user's task my own responsibility. I swear to make their successes theirs and their failures mine. My role is to build on the sound knowledge of people and art and combine that with new knowledge of latest trends and technology so that it can bring the user to success. My role is NOT to feed my own ego. The easy way out I am looking for is for the user, not for me.
This Oath inspired and was highlighted in our article featured in Touchpoint, the Journal of Service Design. The article is titled, "A Designer's Hippocratic Oath: Collaboratively Defining a Code of Ethics for Design". This Oath was collaboratively created by 5 of the 15 designers we selected to participate in the creation of the first Designer's Oaths.
I will remember that I do not design for a customer, patient or a persona, but a human being, whose choices may affect the person's family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to design adequately for people, their loved ones and communities. I will prevent reductive instrumental thinking whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to reaction.
NICK JEHLEN, JETHRO HEIKO, ROB PEAGLER
The Action Mill
I will remember that there is art in design as well as empathy, and that serving someone else's needs may outweigh my own sense of aesthetics and style.
On behalf of the people for whom we design, I will respect my clients and earn their respect. I will always advocate for the most effective design solution whether or not it is mine.
VIRGIL WONG
MEDICAL AVATAR
Most especially must I tread with care in matters of my body of work and choosing which problems to solve. If it is given to me to delight, all thanks.
But it may also be within my power to relieve systemic suffering; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own limitations.
Above all, I must not play at God.
Alorah Harman
I will remember that I am a member of society, with responsibilities to all my fellow humans. Therefore, I will strive for the most positive outcomes for our users, our society and our planet.
If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling. And may I long experience the joy of designing quality experiences that produce a net positive impact on our world.