IXD Futures

We, as interaction designers hold a responsibility to create systems that prioritize the needs and values of the people using them, especially when integrating AI. Transparency is critical. Users should understand how the system works, what data is being collected, and the limitations of AI so they can make informed decisions. Designers must actively address biases, questioning assumptions in data and algorithms to ensure their work is fair, inclusive, and does not reinforce stereotypes or inequities. Privacy and security need to be central, with clear and accessible controls that put users in charge of their own data. At the same time, design should preserve human agency by empowering users to make their own decisions rather than passively relying on AI. Designers also have to think beyond immediate goals and consider the long-term impact of their work, from how users engage with it daily to its broader societal and environmental effects. Ultimately, it is about balancing innovation with accountability, creating systems that are not only functional but also ethical and meaningful in the context of real human lives.

The usage of AI is great in improving productivity, however when asked to help build systems – it takes a very generalist sort of approach.

Although it sounds safe – the problem with taking them live is certain demographics have very different natural tendencies – which if applied wrong it could have massive negative impact on lives of people (classic facebook back in 2013)

Interaction Designers however can use AI to heighten their ethical responsibilities – by giving it prompts to check the work they are taking live and its implicated effects. This way they can use AI systems to recommend ethical routes to take instead – while still helping their companies make profit.

As interaction designers, we have an ethical responsibility to ensure the technologies we create are not just functional but also serve the greater good of the people who use them. With AI becoming increasingly integrated into our designs, this responsibility grows even more critical. AI-powered systems can offer incredible benefits, but they can also amplify biases, compromise privacy, and erode trust if not designed with care. Our job isn’t just to make interfaces attractive or efficient—it’s to build systems that respect users’ autonomy, protect their data, and foster transparency in how decisions are made by AI. For instance, we need to think critically about how algorithms might unintentionally favor certain groups over others and take steps to prevent harm.

Another key responsibility is ensuring that users truly understand the AI systems they’re interacting with. Misleading designs—like chatbots that appear human or AI-powered decisions that lack clear explanations—can confuse users and reduce accountability. We must advocate for clarity, providing users with the tools and information they need to make informed decisions. This includes building in explainability for AI systems and designing safeguards that empower users to challenge or opt out of automated decisions when necessary. At the heart of ethical interaction design is empathy: creating with the end user’s well-being, dignity, and humanity in mind. By doing so, we not only create better products but also contribute to a healthier, more equitable society.

As designers, we are the voice of users–of the people. Companies often push for what is beneficial for the business/investors and often forget that there are actually people who will be using their product or service. We have seen it time and time again the backlash that companies face when selfish decisions are made: unhappy users and a loss of loyalty. One of the most recent examples this year is Adobe regarding their push for AI in their tools and their cancellation system, which they are now facing legal trouble for. The rise of AI only pushes us to uphold our morality and integrity as we navigate its growing influence in our daily lives.

There are social and ethical implications that we must consider as designers. While some decisions may be out of our control, it is important that our voice is still heard among the $$$ *money sounds*. Human connection is essential, and when that is lost, purpose and value is reduced to monetary terms. Everything that we create makes ripples in the system, making it important as ever that our considerations are guided with a commitment for the greater good.

Interaction designers have a profound ethical responsibility to prioritize the well-being, autonomy, and trust of their end users, especially when integrating AI into their work. They must design systems that are transparent, ensuring users understand how AI operates and what role it plays in their interactions. Protecting user privacy is paramount, requiring robust mechanisms to secure data and provide clear options for user control. Designers must actively work to prevent bias, creating inclusive experiences that do not discriminate or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It is equally crucial to empower users, giving them the ability to manage, override, or opt out of AI-driven decisions, and to anticipate potential harm by considering the broader consequences of AI deployment. Automation should be thoughtfully integrated to enhance human capabilities without undermining agency or accountability. Additionally, designers must ensure accessibility for users of all abilities and foster trust through consistent, reliable, and user-friendly systems. Ethical design requires collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including ethicists and user advocates, to evaluate the societal impact of AI and ensure its alignment with human values. By embracing these principles, interaction designers can create AI systems that are not only innovative but also equitable and responsible.

Interaction designers can be ethical by avoiding dark patterns in design. Dark patterns are when a design tricks users into doing things they might not have meant to do. Manipulative wording of text, manipulating visual emphasis, and creating a false sense of urgency can cause users to make hasty or bad choices on accident. When it comes to AI, interaction designers must make sure to anticipate the AI having biases due to the information it was trained on. We can also try to make the AI less biased. AI algorithms are also often used to give the user more content that they’ll like and make them addicted. It’s important to be aware of the effects that a design could have on a user, positive and negative. Overall, interfaces should be transparent and clear, making the user experience a positive one and having a positive effect on users.

As an interaction design student, I often think about the role we play in shaping the digital world. Our work isn’t just about making interfaces easy to use or aesthetically pleasing; it’s about creating experiences that respect and empower people. When AI comes into the picture, this responsibility grows even bigger.

AI can be incredibly powerful. It helps automate tasks, makes predictions, and personalizes experiences. But it also raises questions. Are we protecting user data? Are we avoiding bias in AI algorithms? Are we designing systems that explain themselves clearly? These are just a few of the ethical challenges we face.

For example, think about a chatbot powered by AI. If it doesn’t tell the user it’s a bot, is that misleading? Or imagine an AI-powered recommendation system that only suggests products based on profit margins. Does that respect the user’s best interests? These small decisions can have big consequences.

As designers, our ethical responsibilities include:

1. Transparency: Users should understand how AI is making decisions. For instance, if an algorithm recommends a product, users deserve to know why.
2. Privacy: Collecting data is necessary for AI, but we must minimize it and make sure it’s stored securely. People trust us with their personal information, and we shouldn’t take that lightly.
3. Fairness: AI can reflect biases in the data it’s trained on. It’s our job to spot these biases and advocate for systems that treat all users equally.
4. Empathy: Our work should help, not harm. This means designing for accessibility, considering edge cases, and avoiding manipulative practices.

AI is a tool. Like any tool, it’s neutral until we decide how to use it. Our decisions as interaction designers give AI meaning. So, while the future of technology is exciting, it’s also a reminder: the ethical choices we make today will shape the experiences of millions tomorrow.

As an interaction designer, I’ve been thinking a lot about our ethical responsibilities, especially when it comes to how social media apps like Instagram or TikTok are designed. Let’s be real—these platforms are engineered to keep us scrolling for hours. Infinite scroll, autoplay, endless notifications—these aren’t just random features. They’re intentional designs meant to hook us, sometimes at the expense of our mental well-being.

This all came into sharper focus for me when I read about a teenager who couldn’t handle being without his phone. His parents locked it in a cabinet during dinner, and instead of enjoying family time, he became so anxious that he broke the cabinet open with a knife to get his phone back. That story hit me hard. It made me realize how much our designs, no matter how clever or successful, can sometimes harm people.

So, what does that mean for us as designers? Well, first off, we need to ask ourselves: are we helping people or just exploiting their attention? Sure, keeping users engaged might feel like a win, but at what cost? People deserve tools that empower them, not designs that manipulate them into spending hours in a digital rabbit hole.

I think our role should be about promoting digital well-being. This could mean creating features that remind users to take breaks, helping them set limits on their screen time, or even just being transparent about how algorithms work. For example, instead of hiding behind “recommended for you,” why not explain why the algorithm is suggesting something? That kind of honesty can build trust and put the user back in control.

Another thing we have to think about is the broader impact of addiction. That teenager at the dinner table is just one example, but it’s a reality for so many people. Our designs shouldn’t be making people anxious or pulling them away from their relationships. Instead, they should encourage healthier interactions—not just with the app, but with the world around them.

Of course, there’s always pressure to meet business goals. More engagement equals more revenue, right? But as designers, we need to push back against practices that harm users. It’s not easy, but I think we have the responsibility to advocate for solutions that strike a balance—helping the business while also protecting the people who use our designs.

In the end, designing for ethics isn’t just about following some checklist. It’s about having empathy and thinking critically about the long-term consequences of what we create. Technology is such a big part of life now, and as designers, we’re shaping how people interact with it. That’s a huge responsibility—and one we need to take seriously.

In my opinion, interaction designers have a critical ethical duty to ensure their work with AI prioritizes user well-being, trust, and fairness. The responsibility includes

1. Transparency: Clearly explain AI capabilities, limitations, and decision-making processes to users.
2. Privacy: Safeguard user data, ensure informed consent, and minimize data collection.
3. Bias Mitigation: Proactively identify and reduce biases in AI models to ensure fairness across all user demographics.
4. Autonomy: Design systems that empower users with control over AI interactions and avoid manipulative tactics.
5. Accessibility: Ensure AI-driven interfaces are inclusive and usable for diverse populations, including those with disabilities.
6. Accountability: Anticipate potential misuse and design safeguards to protect users from harm.
7. Sustainability: Assess the long-term societal and environmental impact of AI integration