EThics,Liabilities, & Impacts

Problems:

1. Data gathered may be used to track user location.

2. Some people may try to tamper with the belt while it is on the user.

3. Customer decides to use device as weapon against someone else.

4. Customer might purchase device to take apart for components and use in some other device.

Solution:

1. Give the app the ability to turn off locational tracking.

2. Put in an alarm system for when someone other than the user tampers with it, perhaps through fingerprint ID.

3. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, that state that the company is not liable and that the customer is responsible for all damages to victim.

4. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, saying the user agrees that the company is not liable for any issues that arise from taking apart the device.

   1. Include warranty sticker on device to block means of opening (taking off the sticker voids the user's warranty).

   2. State that the device must be used for its intended use and a disclaimer for what the intended use is.

Problems:

1. Sensors may get damaged after some use thus making them less effective and more dangerous for users with severe visual impairments. 

2. Sensors may not be able to detect if there are potholes or large gaps that could cause individual to trip and fall.

3. Strength of vibration may be hard to feel under various environment circumstances.

4. User relies on device completely instead of using as supplement to cane.

   1. User died because of device stopping to work while in public.

5. Sensors or motors do not work.

6. Device stored improperly and electrical components catch fire.

7. Device catches fire while user is wearing it.

8. Device electrocutes user.

9. Device is lost or stolen.

10. Device stopped working while in public (potentially due to lack of battery).

11. User encounters an unknown hazard that was not specified in the instructions given to the user.

Solutions:

1. Give an annual examination of the belt to check for errors.

   1. Done by going to a physical store to have the device checked.

      1. We would need to partner with existing tech companies in order to use their physical stores as check-up stations.

2. Make it so that it can detect several feet ahead if there are any large differences in terrain elevation.

3. If the user cannot feel the motors even at maximum power on the calibration, the user can trade in the device to upgrade to more powerful motors.

4. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, stating the intended use is as a supplement.

   1. Include a disclaimer saying that the device should not be used on its own.

   2. If GPS-compatibility in device, device can alert user if they are entering a dangerous location.

   3. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, that company is fully responsible if the device does not alert the user of low battery or that device was not working and user is not alerted to dangers around them that results in the death of the user.

      1. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, stating that whoever represents the departed user must prove that the device was in fact not working and not that the user was ignoring the alerts.

5. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, for user to initiate calibration upon opening product, and if device does not work then they can trade it back for a new one or for maintenance.

   1. This must be done within a month of placing the order so the user does not purposefully break the device in such a way that it cannot be replaced and receive a new one for free.

6. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, telling the user to store the belt in the packaging that it came in when the belt is not in use.

   1. Ensure the packaging is fireproof.

7. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, stating the company is liable if it is proven that the device was faulty and not that the user set the device on fire while wearing it.

8. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, stating the company is liable if it is proven that the device was faulty and not that the user created the problem themselves on purpose while using the device.

9. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, stating the user would need to pay full price for a replacement device, no lifetime warranty.

10. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, that the user must charge the device to full power before use and that if they do not then it is their responsibility.

    1. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, stating that the device or associated mobile app will alert the user if the device is at low battery.

11. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, stating that the user is responsible for issues encountered that we have not specified already. User should report the issue to the company so we can issue an announcement about a new issue that was found.

Problems:

1. Some of the components of the belt are not recyclable and can be hazardous for the environment when disposed such as the lithium batteries and the nylon belt material. 

2. The belt may be used as an identifier to discriminate against people with vision problems.

3. Belt need to be able to be worn or put away without being a distraction in social settings.

4. If/when the device breaks the user might throw out the device or components, which might impact the environment.

Solution:

1. Provide users a belt that is composed of more eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastics or biopolymer, and/or more durable materials that can extend the lifespan of the belt.

2. Make the belt's design low-key and minimalistic in order for it to be used functionally without unwanted attention.

   1. Users can still be seen as visually impaired if they are using a cane, which they are instructed to do.

3. App functionality allows the belt to be used, adjusted, and turned on/off without fully taking it off, allowing it to not contribute any noise or vibration to a social environment.

   1. App will alert user intermittently to remind them that the device has been turned off.

4. Include instructions in multiple languages, including braille, telling the user to send the device back for a replacement device at half the price of the original cost, in order for it to be disposed of properly.

   1. This dissuades users from purposefully breaking the device at the end of life to get a brand new one at no cost.