VALUE SENSITIVE DESIGN AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS - Human-Computer Interaction and Management Information Systems: Foundations - page 347

Table 16.1 ( continued )

Human Value Definition Sample Literature

Courtesy Refers to treating people with Bennett and Delatree (1978); Wynne and

politeness and consideration Ryan (1993)

Identity Refers to people's understanding of Bers, Gonzalo-Heydrich, and DeMaso

who they are over time, embracing (2001); Rosenberg (1997); Schiano and

both continuity and discontinuity over White (1998); Turkle (1996)

time

Calmness Refers to a peaceful and composed Friedman and Kahn (2003); Weiser and

psychological state Brown (1997)

Environmental Refers to sustaining ecosystems such United Nations (1992); World

Sustainability that they meet the needs of the Commission on Environment and

present without compromising future Development (1987); Hart (1999);

generations Moldan, Billharz, and Matravers (1997);

Northwest Environment Watch (2002)

Conduct a Conceptual Investigation of Key Values

Following the identification of key values in play, a conceptual investigation of each can follow.
Here it is helpful to turn to the relevant literature. In particular, the philosophical ontological lit-
erature can help provide criteria for what a value is, and thereby for how to assess it empirically.
(For example, “Conceptualizing the Value,” earlier in this chapter, described how existing litera-
ture helped provide criteria for the value of informed consent.)

Identify Potential Value Conflicts

Values often come into conflict. Thus, once key values have been identified and carefully defined,
a next step entails examining potential conflicts. For the purposes of design, value conflicts should
usually not be conceived of as “either/or” situations, but as constraints on the design space. Admittedly,
at times designs that support one value directly hinder support for another. In those instances, a
good deal of discussion among the stakeholders may be warranted to identify the space of work-
able solutions. Typical value conflicts include accountability vs. privacy, trust vs. security, envi-
ronmental sustainability vs. economic development, privacy vs. security, and hierarchical control vs.
democratization.

Integrate Value Considerations into One's Organizational Structure

Ideally, Value Sensitive Design will work in concert with organizational objectives. Within a com-
pany, for example, designers would bring values to the forefront, and in the process generate
increased revenue, employee satisfaction, customer loyalty, and other desirable outcomes for their
companies. In turn, within a government agency, designers would both better support national and
community values, and enhance the organization's ability to achieve its objectives. In the real world,
of course, human values (especially those with ethical import) may collide with economic objec-
tives, power, and other factors. However, even in such situations, Value Sensitive Design should be
able to make positive contributions, by showing alternate designs that better support enduring