Safe Design

Beyond usability: meeting responsibility

As designers, we are experts at mapping optimal journeys and handling errors. We design for efficiency, clarity, and usability. Yet, we rarely consider malicious use, the moment when a feature designed to simplify people’s lives becomes a tool for control.

This blind spot is what led to our research on Safe Design: how can we anticipate and prevent digital abuse before it happens? Why is safety important in digital design? Technology can have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable users, such as victims of stalking or violence.

Designing with safety in mind means avoiding situations where these users are further exposed to risk due to product misuse.

When we design with vulnerable people in mind, we end up creating better technology for everyone. Every change we make, whether it adds or removes friction, can have a real impact on people’s safety.

Are you eager to learn more?
The whole article about our research is avalaible here.