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report:eth [2026/05/20 03:01] – [6.1 Engineering Ethics] team1report:eth [2026/06/13 17:47] (current) – [6.1.5 Data privacy] team1
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 === 6.1.1 Understanding the Engineering Code of Ethics === === 6.1.1 Understanding the Engineering Code of Ethics ===
  
-A well-known example of engineering ethics is the code of ethics developed by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). This code outlines the main responsibilities that engineers are expected to follow in their professional work.+A well-known example of engineering ethics is the code of ethics developed by NSPE. This code outlines the main responsibilities that engineers are expected to follow in their professional work.
  
 According to the NSPE engineers should prioritize public safety, health, and welfare, and only carry out work in areas where they have the necessary knowledge and skills. They are also expected to communicate honestly, avoid deceptive actions, and act responsibly toward clients, employers, and the public. According to the NSPE engineers should prioritize public safety, health, and welfare, and only carry out work in areas where they have the necessary knowledge and skills. They are also expected to communicate honestly, avoid deceptive actions, and act responsibly toward clients, employers, and the public.
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-== 6.1.3.1 System Characteristics and Safety Risks ==+== System Characteristics and Safety Risks ==
  
-The system uses sensors, microcontrollers, and water supply devices to control irrigation automatically based on real-time data [(laura2020)]. This improves efficiency, but it also introduces some important risks. +The system uses sensors, microcontrollers, and water supply devices to control irrigation automatically based on real-time data [(laura2020)]. This improves efficiency, but it also introduces some important risks. One key issue is sensor accuracy and overall system reliability. If the sensor gives incorrect readings or the system malfunctions, the plant may receive too much or too little water. This can reduce system performance and negatively affect plant health [(carlos2019)]. 
- +
-One key issue is sensor accuracy and overall system reliability. If the sensor gives incorrect readings or the system malfunctions, the plant may receive too much or too little water. This can reduce system performance and negatively affect plant health [(carlos2019)]. +
  
 Another important risk is moisture exposure. Since the system operates in a humid environment, water ingress can damage electronic components, reduce performance, and lead to system failure [(laura2020)]. For this reason, protection against water and dust is an important part of the design. The International Electrotechnical Commission defines protection levels through the Ingress Protection (IP)rating system, which is widely used as a guideline for products exposed to water [(IEC60529)]. Another important risk is moisture exposure. Since the system operates in a humid environment, water ingress can damage electronic components, reduce performance, and lead to system failure [(laura2020)]. For this reason, protection against water and dust is an important part of the design. The International Electrotechnical Commission defines protection levels through the Ingress Protection (IP)rating system, which is widely used as a guideline for products exposed to water [(IEC60529)].
  
  
-== 6.1.3.2 Safety Design Strategies ==+== Safety Design Strategies ==
  
-To reduce these risks, several safety measures should be included in the design. +To reduce these risks, several safety measures should be included in the design. First, water and electronic components should be clearly separated. Waterproof enclosures, sealed structures, and proper layout design can help prevent moisture from reaching sensitive parts. Using suitable IP-rated protection can further improve safety [(IEC60529)]. Second, the system should use reliable sensors and continuous monitoring to maintain stable operation. Accurate soil moisture readings are important for precise irrigation control and for detecting unusual conditions early [(carlos2019)]. Finally, fail-safe features should be included. The system should be able to stop automatically if an abnormal condition is detected, helping to prevent damage. Threshold-based control can also reduce the risk of overwatering, and the design should allow the system to remain in a safe state even if a failure occurs.
- +
-First, water and electronic components should be clearly separated. Waterproof enclosures, sealed structures, and proper layout design can help prevent moisture from reaching sensitive parts. Using suitable IP-rated protection can further improve safety [(IEC60529)]. +
- +
-Second, the system should use reliable sensors and continuous monitoring to maintain stable operation. Accurate soil moisture readings are important for precise irrigation control and for detecting unusual conditions early [(carlos2019)]. +
- +
-Finally, fail-safe features should be included. The system should be able to stop automatically if an abnormal condition is detected, helping to prevent damage. Threshold-based control can also reduce the risk of overwatering, and the design should allow the system to remain in a safe state even if a failure occurs.+
  
  
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-== 6.1.4.1 Ethical Persuasion and User Well-being ==+== Ethical Persuasion and User Well-being ==
  
-Since this system is designed to influence user behavior, it should avoid persuasive methods that feel manipulative or harmful. Research on persuasive technology shows that systems can raise ethical concerns when they create pressure, exploit users’ weaknesses, or reduce their sense of control [(naomi2020)].+Since this system is designed to influence user behavior, it should avoid persuasive methods that feel manipulative or harmful. Research on persuasive technology shows that systems can raise ethical concerns when they create pressure, exploit users’ weaknesses, or reduce their sense of control [(naomi2020)]. For this reason, the goal of Screen2Green should be to support healthier digital habits in a positive way, rather than making users feel guilty or stressed when they their screen-time limits. A design that creates too much pressure could reduce users’ sense of autonomy and make the system less ethical.
  
-For this reason, the goal of Screen2Green should be to support healthier digital habits in a positive way, rather than making users feel guilty or stressed when they exceed their screen-time limits. A design that creates too much pressure could reduce users’ sense of autonomy and make the system less ethical. 
  
 +== Motivation and Behavior Change ==
  
-== 6.1.4.2 Motivation and Behavior Change ==+This idea is also supported by motivation research. According to the Self-Determination Theory, autonomy is an important psychological need, and people are more likely to stay motivated when they feel that their actions are self-directed [(CSDT)]. This suggests that the system should help users make healthier choices by encouraging awareness and reflection, rather than using strict or controlling methods. Supporting users’ sense of choice can lead to more meaningful and lasting behavior change.
  
-This idea is also supported by motivation research. According to the Self-Determination Theory, autonomy is an important psychological need, and people are more likely to stay motivated when they feel that their actions are self-directed [(CSDT)]. 
  
-This suggests that the system should help users make healthier choices by encouraging awareness and reflection, rather than using strict or controlling methods. Supporting users’ sense of choice can lead to more meaningful and lasting behavior change.+== System Design Considerations ==
  
- +In addition, the system should make sure that any effects on the plant stay within safe biological limits. The plant should never be harmed as part of the behavior change process. Even if the system is designed to motivate users, plant health must remain a priority. Although most persuasive technology research focuses on users, designers also have a responsibility to consider the wider effects of the system. In this project, that means making sure that any interaction linked to the plant still allows it to grow in healthy and safe conditions.
-== 6.1.4.3 System Design Considerations == +
- +
-In addition, the system should make sure that any effects on the plant stay within safe biological limits. The plant should never be harmed as part of the behavior change process. Even if the system is designed to motivate users, plant health must remain a priority. +
- +
-Although most persuasive technology research focuses on users, designers also have a responsibility to consider the wider effects of the system. In this project, that means making sure that any interaction linked to the plant still allows it to grow in healthy and safe conditions.+
  
  
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 The system collects screen-time data through an associated application. Because this information is linked to users’ daily habits, ethical data management is an important part of the design. Users should clearly understand what data is being collected, how it will be stored, and how it will be used. Data collection should only begin after informed consent is given, and the system should avoid collecting sensitive personal information unless it is necessary for the system to work properly. The system collects screen-time data through an associated application. Because this information is linked to users’ daily habits, ethical data management is an important part of the design. Users should clearly understand what data is being collected, how it will be stored, and how it will be used. Data collection should only begin after informed consent is given, and the system should avoid collecting sensitive personal information unless it is necessary for the system to work properly.
  
-Even with these principles, privacy and security challenges can still arise when this type of system is used in a home smart farming environment. Many of these systems rely on low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which often have limited processing power and weaker built-in security. This can make them more vulnerable to cyber threats.+Even with these principles, privacy and security challenges can still arise when this type of system is used in a home smart farming environment. Many of these systems rely on low-cost IoT devices, which often have limited processing power and weaker built-in security. This can make them more vulnerable to cyber threats.
  
  
-== 6.1.5.1 Threats ==+== Threats ==
  
-One of the main concerns is the sensitivity of screen-time data. If this information is accessed without permission, it may reveal users’ routines, habits, and daily schedules. In addition, the system also collects environmental data such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light levels to support plant growth.+One of the main concerns is the sensitivity of screen-time data. If this information is accessed without permission, it may reveal users’ routines, habits, and daily schedules. In addition, the system also collects environmental data such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light levels to support plant growth. Although this environmental data may seem less sensitive, it can still reveal patterns about user behavior or home occupancy when collected over time. Because of this, the system may be exposed to risks such as unauthorized access, data interception, or manipulation of sensor readings. For example, false soil moisture data could cause incorrect irrigation, which may harm plant health and reduce system reliability [(rodrigo2013)][(luis2019)]. At the same time, improving security in IoT systems is not always simple. Strong encryption can improve protection, but in low-power devices it may also increase energy use and reduce system efficiency. This creates an important trade-off between security and energy consumption, which needs to be considered carefully [(jaewook2017)].
  
-Although this environmental data may seem less sensitive, it can still reveal patterns about user behavior or home occupancy when collected over time. Because of this, the system may be exposed to risks such as unauthorized access, data interception, or manipulation of sensor readings. For example, false soil moisture data could cause incorrect irrigation, which may harm plant health and reduce system reliability [(rodrigo2013)][(luis2019)]. 
  
-At the same time, improving security in IoT systems is not always simple. Strong encryption can improve protection, but in low-power devices it may also increase energy use and reduce system efficiency. This creates an important trade-off between security and energy consumption, which needs to be considered carefully [(jaewook2017)].+== Strategies ==
  
- +To reduce these risks, several practical strategies can be applied. First, lightweight encryption methods can help protect important data while keeping energy use low. A balanced approach should also be used for data protection. More sensitive information, such as screen-time data, should have stronger security, while less sensitive environmental data can use lighter protection methods. Second, edge computing can improve both privacy and efficiency by processing data locally instead of constantly sending it to external servers. Sending data in batches rather than continuously can also reduce communication frequency and save energy.
-== 6.1.5.2 Strategies == +
- +
-To reduce these risks, several practical strategies can be applied. +
- +
-First, lightweight encryption methods can help protect important data while keeping energy use low. A balanced approach should also be used for data protection. More sensitive information, such as screen-time data, should have stronger security, while less sensitive environmental data can use lighter protection methods. +
- +
-Second, edge computing can improve both privacy and efficiency by processing data locally instead of constantly sending it to external servers. Sending data in batches rather than continuously can also reduce communication frequency and save energy.+
  
 Finally, transparency and system maintenance are essential. Users should be able to easily understand how their data is collected and used through clear privacy settings, simple policies, and notifications. Regular software updates, strong authentication methods, and anomaly detection systems should also be included to improve overall security. For example, unusual soil moisture patterns could help detect possible cyberattacks or system faults before serious problems occur. Finally, transparency and system maintenance are essential. Users should be able to easily understand how their data is collected and used through clear privacy settings, simple policies, and notifications. Regular software updates, strong authentication methods, and anomaly detection systems should also be included to improve overall security. For example, unusual soil moisture patterns could help detect possible cyberattacks or system faults before serious problems occur.
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 === 6.1.6 Professional competence === === 6.1.6 Professional competence ===
  
-Professional competence means that engineers have the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their work safely, responsibly, and effectively. In engineering projects, this also means following professional standards and ethical principles throughout the design process.+Professional competence means that engineers have the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their work safely, responsibly, and effectively. In engineering projects, this also means following professional standards and ethical principles throughout the design process. For this system, professional competence is important because the design involves electronics, water, sensors, and user-related data. Engineers need to make sure that the system is safe, reliable, and suitable for its intended use. This includes considering user safety, protecting privacy, and reducing possible risks during both development and operation.
  
-For this system, professional competence is important because the design involves electronics, water, sensors, and user-related data. Engineers need to make sure that the system is safe, reliable, and suitable for its intended use. This includes considering user safety, protecting privacy, and reducing possible risks during both development and operation. +Professional competence also means recognizing the limits of one’s own knowledge. If a problem goes beyond an engineer’s expertise, it is important to seek support, collaborate with others, or consult relevant technical standards. This helps reduce mistakes and improves the overall quality of the system. In addition, engineers should continue updating their knowledge as technologies develop. Since systems like this depend on sensors, automated control, and digital applications, keeping up with new technologies is important for making informed design decisions. Finally, proper testing and validation are essential. The system should be tested under different conditions to make sure it works correctly and safely. By maintaining professional competence, engineers can improve system performance while also meeting their ethical responsibility to protect users and maintain public trust.
- +
-Professional competence also means recognizing the limits of one’s own knowledge. If a problem goes beyond an engineer’s expertise, it is important to seek support, collaborate with others, or consult relevant technical standards. This helps reduce mistakes and improves the overall quality of the system. +
- +
-In addition, engineers should continue updating their knowledge as technologies develop. Since systems like this depend on sensors, automated control, and digital applications, keeping up with new technologies is important for making informed design decisions. +
- +
-Finally, proper testing and validation are essential. The system should be tested under different conditions to make sure it works correctly and safely. By maintaining professional competence, engineers can improve system performance while also meeting their ethical responsibility to protect users and maintain public trust.+
  
  
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-=== 6.2.1 Honest communication ===+=== 6.2.1 Honest communication and avoiding manipulative marketing ===
  
 The product should be marketed with clear and honest communication about its functionality and purpose. Marketing materials should accurately describe what the device does, how it influences user behavior, and what benefits users can realistically expect. Clear communication is especially important in digital well-being products, as users need to understand both the purpose and the limits of the system in order to trust it and use it properly [(merlijn2022)]. The product should be marketed with clear and honest communication about its functionality and purpose. Marketing materials should accurately describe what the device does, how it influences user behavior, and what benefits users can realistically expect. Clear communication is especially important in digital well-being products, as users need to understand both the purpose and the limits of the system in order to trust it and use it properly [(merlijn2022)].
  
 +Additionally, since the product focuses on digital well-being and screen-time awareness, it is important to avoid marketing strategies that create anxiety, guilt, or fear about technology use. The aim of Screen2Green is to support healthier habits in a positive way, not to pressure users or make them feel bad about their behavior. Research on persuasive technologies shows that overly controlling designs can reduce user autonomy and may even cause stress [(abdul2024)].
  
-=== 6.2.2 Avoiding manipulative marketing === 
- 
-Since the product focuses on digital well-being and screen-time awareness, it is important to avoid marketing strategies that create anxiety, guilt, or fear about technology use. The aim of Screen2Green is to support healthier habits in a positive way, not to pressure users or make them feel bad about their behavior. Research on persuasive technologies shows that overly controlling designs can reduce user autonomy and may even cause stress [(abdul2024)]. 
  
 +=== 6.2.2 Transparency and target users ===
  
-=== 6.2.3 Transparency about functionality ===+Users should clearly understand how the system works before using it. This includes how screen time is monitored, how the plant responds to user behavior, and what type of data is collected. Providing this information clearly helps users make informed decisions and increases trust in the product [(merlijn2022)]. If the product is used by children or teenagers, additional ethical considerations are needed. Younger users are generally more vulnerable to persuasive technologies and may be more easily influenced by digital feedback systems. For this reason, the system should avoid strong behavioral pressure and include suitable safeguards if designed for younger users [(diana2025)].
  
-Users should clearly understand how the system works before using it. This includes how screen time is monitored, how the plant responds to user behavior, and what type of data is collected. Providing this information clearly helps users make informed decisions and increases trust in the product [(merlijn2022)]. 
  
  
-=== 6.2.4 Target users === 
  
-If the product is used by children or teenagers, additional ethical considerations are needed. Younger users are generally more vulnerable to persuasive technologies and may be more easily influenced by digital feedback systems. For this reason, the system should avoid strong behavioral pressure and include suitable safeguards if designed for younger users [(diana2025)]. 
  
  
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 ==== 6.5 Summary ==== ==== 6.5 Summary ====
  
-This chapter looked at the main ethical and deontological issues related to Screen2Green, such as safety, user privacy, behaviour design, environmental impact, plant welfare, and liability. Through this analysis, the team understood that the system should not only work properly, but also be safe, clear to users, and responsible in the way it affects both people and plants.+This chapter looked at the main ethical and deontological issues related to Screen2Green, such as safety, user privacy, behavior design, environmental impact, plant welfare, and liability. Through this analysis, the team understood that the system should not only work properly, but also be safe, clear to users, and responsible in the way it affects both people and plants.
  
 Based on this ethical and deontological analysis, the team chose a modular design with simple monitoring components, a soil moisture sensor, an ESP32 microcontroller, a controlled watering system, waterproof protection, and low-cost recyclable materials. These choices were made to reduce possible risks, protect plant health, support responsible data use, and make the product easier to maintain. Based on this ethical and deontological analysis, the team chose a modular design with simple monitoring components, a soil moisture sensor, an ESP32 microcontroller, a controlled watering system, waterproof protection, and low-cost recyclable materials. These choices were made to reduce possible risks, protect plant health, support responsible data use, and make the product easier to maintain.
  
-Consequently, the team decided to include features such as safe watering limits, basic fail-safe protection, clear user information, modular parts, and behaviour feedback that supports users without creating pressure. These features help make the system safer, easier to use, and more suitable for daily use.+Consequently, the team decided to include features such as safe watering limits, basic fail-safe protection, clear user information, modular parts, and behavior feedback that supports users without creating pressure. These features help make the system safer, easier to use, and more suitable for daily use.
  
 This chapter also helped guide the team’s technical decisions and gives a clear basis for the next chapter, which explains how these ideas were applied in the system design and development process. This chapter also helped guide the team’s technical decisions and gives a clear basis for the next chapter, which explains how these ideas were applied in the system design and development process.
  
  
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  • Last modified: 2026/05/20 03:01
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