Design Bioethics: A Theoretical Framework and Argument for Innovation in Bioethics Research

Abstract

Empirical research in bioethics has developed rapidly over the past decade, but has largely eschewed the use of technology-driven methodologies. We propose "design bioethics" as an area of conjoined theoretical and methodological innovation in the field, working across bioethics, health sciences and human-centred technological design. We demonstrate the potential of digital tools, particularly purpose-built digital games, to align with theoretical frameworks in bioethics for empirical research, integrating context, narrative and embodiment in moral decision-making. Purpose-built digital tools can engender situated engagement with bioethical questions; can achieve such engagement at scale; and can access groups traditionally under-represented in bioethics research and theory. If developed and used with appropriate rigor, tools motivated by "design bioethics" could offer unique insights into new and familiar normative and empirical issues in the field.

How to build a game for empirical bioethics research: The case of ‘Tracing Tomorrow’

“…These sessions were led by one facilitator from the marketing agency, and included three observers (one member from the research team and two members from the game developers' team). In addition to these structured, recorded sessions, the research team also sought feedback on the game prototypes from the NeurOX YPAG and a team of junior researchers who led a related project 9 via informal group sessions or email.…”

A Perspective on the Educational Psychological Value of Jurassic Park and Similar Films for Bioethics Discussions

“…Calls for more work in bioethics discussions were also made by Pavarini et al (2021), positing a research framework for such discussion within the scientific community. This current discussion addresses this for the K-12 teacher educator context in which movies are way to generate student engagement for bioethics discussion.…”

“…What seems to motivate each of the main characters? Evaluate how a different approach to bioethics might have resulted in a different outcome based on a "design bioethics" approach (Pavarini et al, 2021).…”

Design Bioethics, Not Only as a Research Tool but Also a Pedagogical Tool

“…As highlighted by Pavarini et al (2021), researchers in the field of bioethics have to remain critical and reflexive on the methodology and on the tools they use for their research purpose because they are necessarily rooted in preliminary theoretical commitments. Since Bioethics is a rather "new" research field, it has mostly borrowed methods and tools from other fields.…”

“…While Pavarini et al (2021) mainly focus on the importance of rigorous and well thought out development of design bioethics for research purposes, our interdisciplinary team is currently working on the use of purpose-built digital tools for teaching purposes. We investigate the use of serious games in medical education, their impact, and the ethical challenges they raise (Sader et al 2021).…”