Before we start designing a product or service, it’s important to ask ourselves the right questions so we can anticipate potential consequences – both intended and unintended. User trust and wellbeing get compromised when our design and product decisions cause harm. These can be broadly divided into four, overlapping categories: Physical, Emotional, Societal and Environmental.

Credit: Spotify Design Team


Why does this worksheet exist?

How to do an assessment

Thought Starters


Physical Harm


Emotional Harm


Societal Harm

Environmental Harm