One of these days, I found myself contemplating the power that comes with being a Product Manager and Designer. With the ability to build products and technologies that shape modern society, the important question arises: "We know we can build it, but should we?"
I grappled with this question over the past few months, considering a problem my colleagues and I needed to solve for a specific group with ideals that can harm communities, democracy, and freedom of expression. It was a challenge from our Service Design and Digital Product classes at Istituto Europeo di Design - IED Brasil.
We considered potential solutions, but realized they could inadvertently increase the circulation of hate speech and potentially offer it greater legal protection. Since our responsibility goes beyond mere functionality, we changed the direction and worked on a product which purpose is to facilitate meaningful debates and fosters connections, while offering learning tools for constructively dealing with divergent perspectives. I can share more details about this product in a future post.
We still included the past audience but without excluding other groups that should have a say in all debates, ensuring everyone has a voice in the discussions. We solved the challenge.
After reflecting on this dilemma, I studied three key aspects we should focus on when building technology:
🔑 Access and Inclusion: Design and development decisions can inadvertently exclude marginalized groups. A lack of consideration for different cultural contexts can result in products that do not meet the needs of diverse communities.
👥 Algorithmic Bias and Discrimination: Algorithms trained on biased data can perpetuate or even exacerbate existing prejudices. Areas such as employment recruitment, credit granting, and facial recognition can significantly impact people's lives.
🔎 Privacy and Surveillance: Surveillance technologies can be used to monitor and control populations, often in ways that violate privacy and human rights.
Product managers and designers hold significant responsibility in shaping society through technology. By integrating ethical principles, promoting team diversity, and engaging with affected communities, we can create products that uphold democracy, respect freedom of expression, and benefit society as a whole. What about you? Any other key aspects you always consider in your work?
Engagement Manager at Tata Consultancy Services
2moThanks Yes Futures Amy Shocker and Kiera Noonan for inviting and giving opportunity..was great interacting with the school students and their brilliant questions. #speednetwork #tcs