Improving User Experience Through Reliable Information - Ethical Dilemmas
In today's digital age, consumers are more informed than ever before about the products and services they buy. This new wave of knowledgeable shoppers is willing to pay a premium for ethically compliant products, making eco-friendliness a significant concern for many.
Businesses, whether product-based or service-oriented, can capitalise on this trend by demonstrating their efforts to preserve the environment. For instance, service-based businesses can contribute to eco-friendliness by using eco-friendly server space for their websites.
One ethical concern that often arises is animal testing. If a business has a policy against animal testing, it's crucial to make this known to the public. This transparency can help build trust and credibility with consumers who are passionate about animal welfare.
The author of this article, with a past experience of working for companies that test on animals, particularly pharmaceutical companies, acknowledges the importance of ethical concerns and the desire to combat them. They support animal testing for experimental medicine, but also recognise that it's not a perfect methodology.
Fortunately, there are numerous alternatives for products like shampoo and deodorant that are not tested on animals. By choosing to sell these products, businesses can appeal to a growing audience that values ethical consumerism.
Another ethical concern that businesses should address is Fair Trade. This movement, popular in the West, supports ensuring that those who produce goods can afford basic necessities like food, shelter, education, and healthcare. If a business sells Fair Trade products, it's essential to communicate this to the audience and explain why they choose to do so.
Addressing various ethical concerns and worthy causes is important for businesses, although it may be challenging for smaller companies. However, communicating about the ethical concerns and causes a business addresses can increase its credibility and help customers make informed decisions.
This article is part of an ongoing series examining how content can improve user experience and add credibility to online offerings. You can find more articles like this under the UX Daily tab on our website.
