Ethical Policy

SurfaceEffect believes that the purpose of design is to make the world a better place, it’s not simply about design for design’s sake, or to inflate the ego of some prima donna designer.

Since we are trying to make the world a better place, we will not support organisations which are making it worse. Specifically we won’t support organisations that use exploitative practices, or whose products adversely impact upon the wellbeing of society or the environment.

SurfaceEffect is delighted to work on projects which actively promote tolerance, social cohesion, the long term view and quality of life.

We believe design is deeper than just technology. It’s about solving problems. Not creating them. It’s about enabling people to get more from life, not curtailing them. Just as doctors swear to ‘do no harm’, we believe designers and engineers should commit to a similar oath. We hereby do so.

If you have thoughts on what form that oath should take, we would be delighted to talk to you.