Develop and Adopt Trusted Design Norms

A set of standards, principles, and guidelines that provide industry guidance on ethical UX/UI.

Problem

Vulnerable groups are often the most likely to be targeted by deceptive design practices and thus are most at risk for experiencing harms. But there is no cohesive framework or shared language to guide the design and technology industries on how to create online spaces that align with Trusted Design.

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Solution

Develop and Adopt the Trusted Design Norms: a prototype framework built to guide organizations on UX/UI design and ethical decision-making. The Norms consist of:

A set of standards, with visual examples, to provide a shared framework and vocabulary on what Trusted Design should look like in practice.
A set of corresponding principles which guide ethical decision-making and help industry navigate between trusted and deceptive practices.
Additional guidelines which provide specific suggestions for how to design interfaces adhering to the principle at hand. Guidelines are intended to be clear, actionable, and build on relevant standards.

‍“The actual language in the guidelines should change, and it should be more inclusive, and what is the process for editing that language. Who is included in that.” - Designer working in advocacy

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The Norms developed within the TPDL should be viewed as a “prototype” to be refined through continued stakeholder input. However, they should continue to center on the most vulnerable populations, such as people who with accessibility needs, such as those who are visually impaired or neurodivergent.

Explore the recommendations.

Impact

The Trusted Design Norms can act as a new standard that provides clear and broadly applicable guidance both for global policy and UI/UX design. The Norms could support an emphasis on Deceptive Design awareness through the framework of human rights, as well as bridge existing conversations on consumer protection and social justice.