Have you ever got a project that don't align with your personal values?

Everybody have their own values. And we see things from our own values point of view. When we see people working mostly on entertainment industry, you might have heard people saying...oh, they sold their soul. Maybe it's true to some extent. But how about you?

Are you fully aligned with the company you are working on particularly on values?

I doubt it.

Well, few years back, I was working with a small start up company based in Gellong, Australia. There, I was given to work on a project which hurts me while working on it. 

It was like a tug of war between my mind and my heart. My mind told me to do it, saying...'you have to pay the bills. Do you have another option, Monali?'. And my heart said you are violating your own values. My mind wins. I've got to put food on the table. 

But somewhere I always felt uneasy working on this project...felt like I was betraying my heart, my values.

The project I was referring is related with horse race. Sounds like, yeah it's okay... it's just a race. But nope, no. Because when I come to know about it more and more in details. It's not only horse race but also breeding which I don't support then and now as well. You can search up and see how breeding works... All I can say is ...most of the time it's not ethical.

So coming to the topic I am about to share. 

How to deal when you work on the project or company that don't align their values with your personal values?

You might have heard of ethical design.

How to define what is ethical and what is not?

Ethical design refers to design that resists manipulative patterns, respects data privacy, encourages co-design, and is accessible and human-centered. 

Or, Ethical design is made with the intent to do good, and unethical design is made that prioritize profit or convenience over the well-being, safety, or right of users and the environment.

Yes, it is what we know about ethical design is. The thing that you are struggling is not how to design ethically but how to deal with the project that is unethical comes to you to work on it.

How to choose project or company that aligns with your values?

- Reflect on the conflict

• What specific value of mine does this project conflict with?
• Is it ethical, cultural, environmental, or social?
• Is the conflict personal discomfort or a professional red flags?

For example: In my case, it's a horse race and breeding web app design, but I don't support any form of animal breedings.

- Gather the Facts

• Understand the full scope of the project.
• Ask clarifying questions: Who is the audience? What’s the goal? How will this design be used?

- Identify Non-Negotiables

• List what you are not willing to compromise on. This could include things like misinformation, harmful stereotypes, or products targeting vulnerable users.

- Talk to the Project Lead or Stakeholder

• "I'd like to discuss something important about the design direction of the project."
• Express your concerns clearly and calmly, focusing on values and ethics, not personal emotions.

Tip: Use “I” statements – e.g., “I’m concerned this project may negatively impact...”

- Explore Alternatives or Reframe the Project

• If possible: Propose a design direction that aligns better with your values.
• If possible: Suggest user-centered changes that could still meet business goals.

For example: If you found a way to come up with alternative design like "Can we shift the language toward responsible usage rather than encouraging addictive behaviour?"

- Decide Whether to Proceed or Step Away Options

• Proceed with boundaries: Do only the part that aligns with your values.
• Step away professionally: “After reviewing the project, I don’t think I’m the right fit for this direction.”

- Document Your Decision: Write a short professional note or email explaining your choice.

• Keep things clear and professional for future reference.
• Protects your reputation.

- Reflect and Adjust

Ask yourself:

• What did I learn from this experience?
• Should I redefine the types of projects I take on?
• Do I need to update my personal or business values manifesto?

Optional: Create a Personal Values Manifesto (For Future Projects)

This can help you:

• Communicate your boundaries early.
• Attract value-aligned clients or teams.
• Avoid misalignment in the first place.

Just in case, you need food on the table and you have to choose. Choose the one which is least affecting you personal values. That will keep both your mind and soul some peace.

So will you work on the project that don't align with your personal values? And why?

Thank you for stopping by. :)

Some helpful guides on how ethical design works.