Digital ethics by design–a comprehensive evaluation of the design for values approach in practice

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

A.S. Sattlegger (TU Delft - Information and Communication Technology)

J. Alleblas (TU Delft - Ethics & Philosophy of Technology)

I.R. van de Poel (TU Delft - Ethics & Philosophy of Technology)

Ethics & Philosophy of Technology
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1080/23299460.2025.2534273
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Ethics & Philosophy of Technology
Issue number
1
Volume number
12
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Abstract

Many guidelines outline ethical principles for designing and deploying emerging digital technologies, like AI, in public services, but there is a gap between such principles and practices. We evaluate whether an educational intervention can enable public sector professionals to close this gap and implement responsible innovation. The educational intervention was based on Design for Values, a responsible innovation approach to integrate values into the design process. We employ a systems perspective to evaluate the effects of the intervention. While the educational intervention helps foster techno-moral virtues and enhance accountability, its success depends on the broader organizational context. Future research should explore the long-term embedding of Design for Values in various settings, using comparative and longitudinal methods to understand better the factors that influence its effectiveness.