Language

English

Start date

July 2026

Frequency

Part-time

Fruition

On campus

Duration

2 Weeks

Course Coordination

Evan Kapros

Think, design and act conscientiously in the digital age.

Design plays a fundamental role in the digital world. When products and services are created for and consumed by the masses, the interests of users, companies and governments do not always coincide. As a designer, you have the power and the responsibility to make decisions that have a real impact.

The Summer Course in Digital Design Ethics gives you a practical introduction to ethical thinking applied to digital design. You’ll learn to incorporate ethics in every stage of the creative process, from research to implementation, and find any ethical dilemmas in your professional practice.

As you participate in workshops, theoretical sessions and immersive activities in Barcelona, ​​you’ll discover new ways to play your role as a designer in a complex technological environment. A transformative course to design with purpose.

Information to decide

A practice-based course in which you can explore and reflect on the impact of digital design, apply ethical tools to your projects and rethink your role as a designer in a technological environment that’s constantly changing.

In this course students are actively encouraged to participate in practical workshops, adopt collaborative dynamics and analyse real case studies. The course includes visits to responsible design spaces in Barcelona and sessions with professional guest speakers who’ll explore the ethics applied to digital design from a number of different perspectives.

If you work in design, product management or the development of digital services and are looking for tools to incorporate an ethical approach in your professional practice, this is the course for you.

Ideal if you’re interested in:

  • Digital, interactive or user-centred design.
  • Technological ethics and AI applied to design.
  • UX research from a critical perspective.
  • The facilitation of concretion or design thinking processes.

The Summer Course in Digital Design Ethics lets you adopt a critical and responsible outlook for your professional practice in the digital environment. Acquire an integral and applied understanding of ethics in design, the social implications, and the most effective tools for a conscientious approach in every stage of the process.

Learn how to detect real ethical dilemmas in digital products and services, how to propose sustainable alternatives, more inclusive and transparent creative processes. Discover how to integrate ethics into research and design, and implement digital solutions with a positive impact.

Study in Barcelona, ​​an open, creative, international city, with an active design community, characterised by critical thinking and ground-breaking technology. A setting that inspires, a place where you can reflect on your role in digital design and expand your professional network.

Syllabus

Subjects

The course activities are organized around three main themes:

  • Design ethical digital products: analyse deceptive design patterns using UI, as well as legal and market frameworks, and learn how to propose responsible alternatives.
  • Ethical design: discover the conceptual frameworks, tools and methodologies used to make ethical decisions in your professional practice.
  • Be an ethical designer: use skills such as critical thinking, communication, empathy and collaboration in role-playing and group dynamics.

 

Participate in:

  • Practical workshops using applied tools.
  • Masterclasses held by professionals and academics in the sector.
  • Debate and analysis sessions at the end of each theme group.
  • Guide-assisted visits to responsible design spaces and institutions in Barcelona.

 

When you finish the course you’ll be able to:

  • Apply ethical tools, methods and frameworks to design or business activities.
  • Analyse ethical dilemmas in the digital environment from a critical and systemic perspective.
  • Make design decisions with greater awareness, responsibility and purpose.

Faculty

Course Coordinator

Evan Kapros

Strategic designer and researcher specialized in digital ethics.

News

08 January 2026

TDC 71 Exhibition connects New York with Bilbao, Barcelona, and Madrid

A traveling exhibition that brings together a leading international selection of typography, calligraphy, and lettering across fields such as identity, editorial design, and applied graphics.

19 December 2025

IED Barcelona celebrates Graduation Day for a hundred students from Master's and Specialisation Courses

The event recognises their successful journey through their studies at the school.

Green lettering on a blue background with the copy Welcome Event 26

18 December 2025

Welcome event Postgraduate 2025/2026 - IED Barcelona

It will take place on 15 and 16 January for Master's, Postgraduate and Specialization Course students.

04 December 2025

IED Turin signs the visual for “Alice Oltre lo Specchio – Best of Cannes” the event showcasing the best of international creativity

The visual concept for the sixth edition was created by Chiara Basili and Letizia Donetti, Graphic Design students, with a project born from an image suspended in space and time.

03 December 2025

IED Turin Photography Students capture Casa Tennis and Casa Gusto during the ATP Finals

A fresh, creative perspective on Turin’s major events, blending sport, culture, and community.

01 December 2025

AQU Catalunya and IED Barcelona begin a mass survey to gauge the satisfaction of recent graduates

More than 60,000 people who finished their university and artistic studies last year will receive the survey, which will serve to improve the degrees currently being taught. Participants will be entered into a prize draw for the latest generation iPhone.

Tres premios a Alumni y estudiantes IED Madrid durante el mes de noviembre: Premio Nacional de Innovacion, Frame Awards & Premio Antalia Decora

28 November 2025

Three awards for IED Madrid alumni and students in November: National Innovation Award, Frame Awards & Antalia Decora

Federico Sáinz de Robles wins the National Innovation Award with his brand Sepiia, while Lucas Muñoz receives the FRAME Editor's Pick mention for his COLAB project for Sancal and Jacobo López del Hierro Llopis wins third prize at Antalia Decora

25 November 2025

IED Barcelona pays tribute to Cine Comedia ahead of its conversion into the Museu Carmen Thyssen Barcelona

Visual Arts students artistically transform the iconic venue’s seats in a symbolic action that brings together emerging creativity and cultural heritage.

21 November 2025

IED Barcelona designs the NFT for the GrausTIC Awards once again

Carlos Solines, a student of Motion Graphics and Video, is the author of the virtual trophy for these awards recognising innovative uses of information and communication technologies in Catalonia.

Don't miss it

Projects Presentation

12 January 2026 - 31 January 2026

Bilbao

Opening of the Graphic Installation at the Papelera Building

Drawing from the work of the American artist Barbara Kruger, IED Kunsthal Bilbao articulates a generational message that invites reflection on the role of image and communication in the urban space.

Encuentro Loewe Foundation Craft Prize - 20 enero 19.30h - Serrería belga
Lecture and Panel discussion

20 January 2026 - 20 January 2026

Madrid

Loewe Foundation Craft Prize Talk – 20th January 7.30 pm - Serrería belga

A talk about contemporary craftsmanship on the occasion of the ninth edition of LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize

Open Day

24 January 2026 - 24 January 2026

Multiple

IED Open Day Italy

A calendar of appointments to discover all training courses IED Italy in the areas of Design, Fashion, Visual Arts, Cinema, Communication, Art and Restoration.

Lecture and Panel discussion

25 February 2026 - 25 February 2026

Barcelona

IED MUSES Talks: Omar Sosa

The co-founder of ‘Apartamento Magazine’ will be the second guest of the second season of the IED’s inspirational talk series. The event will take place on 25 February 2026 at 6:30 pm at IED Barcelona.

Lecture and Panel discussion

05 March 2026 - 05 March 2026

Bilbao

IED MUSES Talks: Albert Folch

Creative director Albert Folch, currently working as an independent creative, headlines a new IED MUSES Talks session on March 5, 2026 at 7:00 pm at IED Kunsthal Bilbao.