Comments on: A “Hippocratic Oath” for Designers? http://defy-rules.com/2009/10/08/a-hippocratic-oath-for-designers/ by Audrey Alverson Sat, 12 Nov 2011 03:02:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Pete Forsyth http://defy-rules.com/2009/10/08/a-hippocratic-oath-for-designers/#comment-24 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:18:57 +0000 http://defy-rules.com/?p=97#comment-24 I used some pretty strong language for a comment that was meant to basically say, “I don’t really know what to make of all this just now.” You make a good point about power.

]]> By: Audrey Alverson http://defy-rules.com/2009/10/08/a-hippocratic-oath-for-designers/#comment-23 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:14:58 +0000 http://defy-rules.com/?p=97#comment-23 OK, Pete, I understand your questions and I can’t say I have all the answers, but I’ll (duh!) tell you my stance. I think (and I mean this in no condescending way) that people from outside the design profession don’t often recognize a key thing about design: it is power. I will address this a little more thoroughly in an upcoming post, but essentially designers create the world we live in, by making the things we live with, and the places we inhabit. So yeah, I think it’s absolutely necessary for all designers to seek to serve the under-served. And in these cases–often–the under-served are the clients, not a third party. And as far as listening goes, I think it’s directed to the issue that a designer should keep in mind that design is for people, so listen to the people–whether they be clients or strangers.

]]> By: Pete Forsyth http://defy-rules.com/2009/10/08/a-hippocratic-oath-for-designers/#comment-22 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:28:58 +0000 http://defy-rules.com/?p=97#comment-22 Well, I now officially share your concern about the state of the industry, if such a manifesto seems necessary.

I have two reactions, in opposite directions. The first is “well, DUH” — as in, are there really designers out there who don’t more or less “get” all this?? But the second is, well, wait a minute. Is this really the right advice for everyone? Different people have different challenges in their professional lives. Who says that “be a good listener” is good advice for everyone? Some people are excellent listeners, to the point where they have trouble asserting their own expertly-informed ideas. Is it always a good idea for the designer to seek to serve the under-served? Isn’t that ultimately the client’s responsibility, and isn’t the client often better-informed and better-equipped to take on that kind of responsibility?

It’s an interesting and compelling list, but it leaves me with more questions than answers.

Maybe I should just read the book. (Yeah, right — after all the other books that are piling up…)

]]> By: Jaime http://defy-rules.com/2009/10/08/a-hippocratic-oath-for-designers/#comment-21 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:34:48 +0000 http://defy-rules.com/?p=97#comment-21 Ah-ha! This is something I can strive for, personally and professionally. Thank you for posting!

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