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 swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant: I will draw upon the hard-won wisdom of those patients and clinicians upon whose behalf I advocate. I will learn from and share with my fellow designers, thus strengthening our collective knowledge.
I will apply, for the benefit of the people, my skills of listening, observing, and inviting all stakeholders into the design process. I will use my strong voice to advocate for the people I represent, and I will seek the simplest solution to the problem at hand. I will practice my craft with an open heart.

KATIE MCCURDY

I will remember that there is unwavering optimism to design as well as pragmatism, and that warmth, empathy, and understanding ground the visual language, interactions, and experiences of our physical and digital solutions.

I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed to create the best possible experience for my users.

ANNIE WU

Greater Good

Most especially must I remember that in building and creating I may also harm and destroy. I must do more than design out of good intentions. I must aim to understand the consequences of my practice, with great humbleness and awareness of my own biases. Above all I must not play God.

ALLISON WONG

I will remember that I do not design for pretexts of a person or semblances of a person, but a whole human being, whose needs and preferences may affect their loved ones, passions and lifestyle. My responsibility includes these interconnected domains, if I am to design adequately to truly meet human beings where they are and for who they are.

I will prevent anguish for people whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to rehabilitation.

KRISA RYAN

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those who commission my work as well as those whose experiences, decisions, and lives may be affected by it.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art by respecting what has preceded me and the potential for what may follow. May I always design with empathy and care and may I long experience the joy of creating for others.

ROSE ANDERSON

The Mayo Clinic