Our toolset helps you to systematically explore ethical aspects along research and innovation processes. It connects engineering and design processes with ethical reasoning. The tools we present here allow for what we call deep ethics integration, bringing together those two different styles of thinking in one reflection space. In that space, the ethical exploration becomes part of design explorations, providing valuable feedback for design decisions.
In consecutive steps, the tools allow for a systematic assessment of a future product or technology from an ethical point of view. This reflexive toolset allows you to develop ethical decision-making for responsible technology development with your team and supports you in integrating the findings in your projects.
Some remarks on how to use this toolset:
The tools are designed so that they support newcomers to the topic as well as ethics experts.
We recommend using the tools in a team to enrich processes and gather together different perspectives, backgrounds and disciplines. In doing so, you broaden your knowledge and value base to arrive at better results in your explorations. However, there is no need to do it in a team, you can also use the tools alone.
Take time to engage with the tools. Schedule a time block to explore and step out of your daily routine. We recommend at least two to three hours. This time is well invested, as it will allow you to reflect differently on the technology or artefact at hand.
Finally, some remarks for facilitators. The tools might need to be adapted for the context and application area of the artefact or technology. They have been designed with early technology readiness levels (TRL Levels 1-6) in mind but can also be applied in later phases.
You can find a complete guide to the toolkit here.
