Ethical and Sustainable Engineering Design: A Design for Conviviality Approach

(i) background: Various philosophers of technology argue against the common misconception that technology is neutral and simply serves human ends. “Reverse adaptation" is the idea that we create technologies to serve us, but, in the end it can often be the human that serves the machine. One key negative effect reverse adaptation is that it thwarts the human goal of sustainability. (ii) purpose: The aim of this paper is to explore an alternative design philosophy, “Designing for Conviviality,” that shows promise in addressing the above concerns. (iii) approach: In this paper a definition of conviviality is given along with its concomitant principles which can serve as a method of evaluating given tools, processes, and practices to aid in determining if they will have positive or negative societal and environmental consequences. (iv) outcomes: This research has resulted in an eight-point list as to the character of convivial tools and systems which enables the assessment of a given technology. (v) conclusions: Designing for Conviviality can serve as a way to guide design processes so that engineers can create products that will have a greater benefit to society and the environment.