Towards a Practical Ethics of Generative AI in Creative Production Processes

Abstract: The increasing integration of artificial intelligence into various domains, including design and creative processes, raises significant ethical questions. While AI ethics is often examined from the perspective of technology developers, less attention has been paid to the practical ethical considerations faced by technology users, particularly in design contexts. This paper introduces a framework for addressing ethical challenges in creative production processes, such as the Double Diamond design model. Drawing on six major ethical theories - virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism, contract theory, care ethics, and existentialism - we develop a "compass" to navigate and reflect on the ethical dimensions of AI in design. The framework highlights the importance of responsibility, anticipation, and reflection across both the AI lifecycle and each stage of the creative process. We argue that by adopting a playful and exploratory approach to AI, while remaining anchored in core ethical principles, designers can responsibly harness the potential of AI technologies without overburdening or compromising their creative processes.