This paper presents the Ethical Design Manifesto workshop, an innovative approach to inclusive pedagogy that empowers students to actively shape their ethical framework and learning experience. Through collaborative manifesto creation, students explore personal and collective values, engaging in critical discussions about design’s impact on society, the environment, and professional practice. The workshop exemplifies inclusive pedagogy by providing students agency in defining their ethical guidelines, shifting from passive reception to active co-creation of knowledge. The workshop activities also encourage diverse perspectives through group discussions and negotiations, leveraging and sharing students’ cultural knowledge and experiences. Facilitated across multiple universities and contexts, the workshop has engaged over 100 participants, yielding valuable insights into student-driven learning. This approach not only fosters a more inclusive classroom environment but also prepares students to address pressing societal issues through design, aligning with the call for alternative teaching methods that celebrate student identities and provide pathways for meaningful engagement in their education.
Victoria Gerson is currently Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at California State University, Dominguez Hills teaching web, app, and interactive design. Victoria has previously taught at the University of Florida, and as a Scholar-in-Residence at the University of Houston. Her teaching and research practice explores the intersection of culture, ethics, heritage, identity, and the environment. She is interested in how we teach about ethics in the graphic design classroom.