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When we last left off, I was discussing the notion that a of code of ethics is a form of branding. I postulated that, in much the same way that a logo or a slogan represents a promise to one’s customers and co-workers, a code of ethics performs a similar function — albeit in a non-visual way.

Today, I want to present an example of a professional code of ethics that happens to have a visual expression.

The Order of the Engineer is a voluntary society of professionally-trained engineers who opt to take up the Obligation of an Engineer. The purpose of this enterprise is to remind engineers of their service to the public and to form a common bond among those in the profession.

To give you some idea of what the Obligation looks like, here is an excerpt:

As an Engineer, I pledge to practice integrity and fair dealing, tolerance and respect, and to uphold devotion to the standards and the dignity of my profession, conscious always that my skill carries with it the obligation to serve humanity by making the best use of Earth’s precious wealth.

Image from Wikipedia.

Those who take up the Obligation receive a ring called the Engineer’s or Iron Ring. This is a stainless steel ring worn on the pinky finger of their working hand. The legend surrounding the ring is that it was made from the metal of a bridge that collapsed during construction and killed several people. As such, the ring is a constant reminder to engineers of their responsibility to the public.

Of course, codes of ethics don’t require symbolic gestures, but if we consider such codes a sort of professional brand, a visible symbol might not hurt.

I’d like to think that all engineers believe in the tenets of the oath, even if they haven’t taken it themselves. That being said, were I to see a Ring in public, I would probably tend to give that professional more of my trust.

Moreover, if I were an engineer, the ring would be there to remind me of my responsibilities both to those whom I build for and those whom I build with. That’s probably even more important.

Far from being a curiosity, I think the precedent set by the Engineer’s Ring is a good one to follow if and when we draft a Designer’s Code of Ethics. A very real problem of codes of ethics is identifying who has them and who does not.

Being “branded” with some kind of symbol might help designers to become more ethical — and to be recognized as such.