Maria Bell

An anthropologist and user researcher, I have been working in product development in big and small technology corporations, in addition to consulting fintech and travel startups on UX strategy in the incubation period. One of my latest engagements is with US Digital Response focusing on driving UX research in covid relief efforts for governmental organizations.

Talking to algorithms about humans: a reflection on experience codifying ethics and responsibility in product development

This presentation discusses the approaches anthropologists and UX researchers can use to advocate for and implement ethical review processes throughout the entire product life cycle, from ideation through launch. It makes the case for the necessity of such an ethical review and argues that anthropologists are well-positioned to meet this need and develop these processes.

I will discuss several integrative projects as case studies of anthropologists working in UX Research roles establishing and guiding the product development with ethical, responsible approaches from ideation to post-production.

As anthropologists and other social scientists increasingly find themselves in the roles leading and formulating product strategy, there has been significant discussion about the need for revising the structure of our work and also infusing the outcomes of our research with the richness of a theoretical and holistic approach.

I will also discuss the code of ethics and responsibilities that has been drafted and tested by a group of anthropologists, UX researchers, strategists, and UX writers. The aim of this code is to guide development in both enterprise and consumer settings.

We hope to welcome the contributions from the broader anthropological community to further expand this code of ethics.