Ethical Testing in Product Design: The Case of the Titan Submersible

What actually happened

The Titan submersible, once a marvel of engineering, now lies at the bottom of the sea, a victim of its own flaws. The implosion of this deep$-$sea vehicle raises serious questions about the ethical responsibilities of product designers and the consequences of cutting corners.

Imagine this: a founder brags about getting a great deal on carbon fiber for the Titan's shell because its FAA aircraft rating had expired. This means that the material, intended for use in aircraft, was repurposed for a submersible, without proper testing for its new environment.

This incident highlights the crucial need for thorough product testing. Designers have a duty not just to identify potential defects, but to actively work to prevent them. It's not just about saying ethics are important; it's about taking concrete steps to ensure safety and reliability.

The Incident and its implications

The Titan submersible, designed for deep$-$sea exploration, was constructed with carbon fiber that was not adequately tested for its underwater application. The founder's decision to use this material because of a lapsed aircraft rating shows a disregard for the safety of the submersible and those who would operate it$.$

This case raises serious ethical questions. Shouldn't the designers have known better? Shouldn't they have conducted thorough tests to ensure the safety of the submersible? By cutting corners on material testing, they put lives at risk and compromised the integrity of their product.

Why testing is necessary in all aspects

The incident underscores the importance of rigorous testing in product design. It's not enough to assume that a material or component will work just because it's designed for another purpose. Designers must actively seek out potential flaws and work to mitigate them before they become disasters.

Designers have an ethical obligation to the users of their products. This includes identifying potential defects and taking steps to prevent them. It's not just about legal liability; it's about doing what's right to ensure the safety and reliability of the products we create.

Email Example:

Subject: Urgent Action Required: Titan Submersible Safety Concerns

Dear OceanGate,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue regarding the safety of our Titan submersible.

Recently, it has come to my attention that the carbon fiber used in the construction of the Titan's shell was sourced based on a lapsed FAA aircraft rating. This means that the material was not adequately tested for its intended use in deep$-$sea environments.

Given this revelation, I strongly recommend that we take immediate action to rectify this situation. Our ethical obligation to the safety of our users demands that we conduct thorough testing of the carbon fiber shell to identify any potential weaknesses or defects.

I propose the following steps:

Engage a third$-$party testing facility specializing in deep$-$sea materials to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the carbon fiber shell.

Based on their findings, implement necessary modifications or replacements to ensure the structural integrity of the Titan submersible.

Communicate transparently with our stakeholders, including clients and regulatory bodies, about the steps we are taking to address this issue.

I understand that this will incur additional costs, but the safety of our personnel and the reliability of our product are non$-$negotiable.

Please let me know your thoughts on this matter, and I am available to discuss further at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,

Omar Dennawi

Chief Engineer

In conclusion, the implosion of the Titan submersible serves as a distinct reminder of the ethical responsibilities of product designers. It is not enough to simply create innovative products; we must also ensure their safety through thorough testing and a commitment to addressing potential defects. The consequences of cutting corners can be catastrophic, highlighting the importance of upholding ethical standards in every stage of product development.