Code of Conduct
What we stand for
We work with people, not “users”.
We believe good systems expand understanding, freedom, and dignity — not pressure, dependency, or confusion.
We expect from everyone working with Mitterberger:Lab:
- honesty about intent
- respect for boundaries
- responsibility for impact
What we encourage
We actively promote:
Clarity over fog
- understandable language
- explainable decisions
- transparent systems
Autonomy over control
- people must be able to decide consciously
- interfaces should inform, not push
Psychological safety
- nobody should feel small, stupid, or powerless
- feedback is welcome, attacks are not
Careful data practice
- we collect only what is truly needed
- we explain why
- we respect “no”
Real collaboration
- no political games
- no hidden agendas
- no status theatre
What we do not tolerate
There is no place for:
Manipulation
- dark patterns
- artificial urgency
- fear or guilt triggers
- deceptive design
Abuse of power
- hierarchical pressure
- emotional coercion
- “because I said so”
Opacity
- hidden tracking
- unclear data flows
- intentional ambiguity
Using people as tools
- users as raw material
- staff as disposable resources
- AI as an excuse for avoiding responsibility
How we use AI
We expect conscious use of AI:
- AI does not make moral decisions
- AI does not carry responsibility
- AI must not replace human judgment, empathy, or context
Automation exists to support humans — not to override them.
How we handle conflict
Conflicts are addressed:
- openly
- respectfully
- without threats
- without blame shifting
Raising concerns must never be punished.
This document is alive
These standards are not marketing.
They are a contract with our own integrity.
If practice and this text ever diverge:
Either the text changes — or the practice must.