ICT and value sensitive design

Abstract

It is argued that information systems are intentionally or unintentionally informed by moral values of their makers. Since information technology has become a constitutive technology which shapes human life it is important to be aware of the value ladenness of IT design. Examples of values incorporated in design are discussed. The approach to software engineering and systems development, which is referred to as "value sensitive design", studies the ways in which our accepted moral values can be operationalized and incorporated in IT design. The historical background and future program of value sensitive design in IT are sketched. © 2007 International Federation for Information Processing.