Throughout your project you should consider various design norms to help guide your initial design decisions. The table below provides a brief statement of the norms. For more details, see either “Technology and Biblical Story” (pages 7-8) or Shaping a Digital World, Chapter 4.
Norm | Description |
---|---|
Cultural Appropriateness | Your design should take into account the culture in which it will be used. Does it relieve burdens while preserving what is good? |
Transparency | Technology ought to be sufficiently understandable by the user with a clear interface, error messages, and documentation. |
Stewardship | Use of creation resources should be sustainable and caring. Does your project use software tools, energy, bandwidth, and other resources wisely? |
Aesthetics | The form should align with function. Is the user interface both clear and pleasing to use? |
Justice | Technology should promote justice and fairness. Could this design be used for unjust purposes? Are copyrights and intellectual property respected? |
Caring | Does the design help us serve and love neighbor and contribute to flourishing? Are accessibility features included where appropriate? Who or what may be harmed if this technology is used? |
Trust | Can the user depend on the design for its intended purpose? Is it reliable and secure? What practices associated with the software might be unhelpful for our spiritual formation? |