While developing this research, I quickly realized the importance about being aware as a designer and the value of making a difference for the world as well as its people.
Reading through books, journals and websites became progressively more interesting as time was passing. An individual could read and learn about each expert’s opinion in each field of design and earn his own judgment about some of the most pressing issues. This can lead to more people being aware, therefore more people suggesting new ideas of solutions to these problems.
This assignment revealed me the importance of staying up to date and being involved in the world of design. At the end of the day, we as the new generation of designers are responsible for the future of design.
“Learning should take place when it is needed, when the learner is interested, not according to some arbitrary, fixed schedule” (Norman, 1990).
This quote is very relevant to this project, since each individual was able to pick their own subject that engaged them in interest. Without any doubt, everyone could back up the chosen subject with their own opinions, arguments, and points of view.
Ethical aspects are very essential to be kept. Apple, as well as many more big brands, were exposed before for being unethical and using a method called planned obsolescence.
I could happily develop this topic even more and mention other ethical issues that are done by these brands only for the matter of their own interest, for instance climate change, pollution and toxins, human rights, and political activities.
Figure 1, Planned Obsolescence and its Effects
https://www.moneycrashers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/pile-mobile-phones-2136x1427.jpg
Apple was not only investigated by several countries for their methods of marketing and the allegations of planned obsolescence. Apple was also rated as the worst Ethical Consumer’s brand in 2019.
In addition, Apple was accused of some serious environmental impacts, including conflict minerals. Apple was supposedly using hazardous chemicals, such as PVC, BFR and phthalates. BFR is a dangerous chemical substance that does not only affect the people that are surrounded by it, but also landfill and wildlife. Moreover, PVC is another hazardous chemical that can cause reduction of heart’s pump, weakness, dizziness, or fainting.
Mixing these two chemicals together, or even having them in the same lab puts workers’ lives and health in danger. According to Apple, the use of these two chemicals has been stopped.
Perhaps we should point out the fact that “Apple products are free of PVC and phthalates with the exception of power cords in India, Thailand, and South Korea, where [they] continue to seek government approval for [their] PVC and phthalates replacement.” (Ethical Consumer)
But why do some countries keep approving these hazardous chemicals instead of finding ways to replace them without disturbing the quality of the product? The most unsatisfactory conclusion, but still honest one, that an individual can come to is money.
In our century, sadly money rule the world. The only thing left is for designers to find the perfect mix between being able to benefit the company and also being as ethical as possible. When this perfect mix of balancing happens, then the design world will be a world an individual would be proud to work in.
Bibliography:
Norman, D. A. (1990). The design of everyday things. New York, Doubleday
Ethical Consumer, Since 1989. Apple INC
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