Strategic governance through ethics-by-design: aligning UI/UX practices with ESG accountability

Purpose This paper aims to conceptualize ethics-by-design as a governance mechanism that positions user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design as a critical yet underexplored layer in operationalizing environmental, social and governance (ESG) accountability. It addresses ethical and regulatory risks arising from manipulative, opaque and exclusionary interface practices and proposes integrating interface ethics into ESG disclosure and digital sustainability frameworks. Design/methodology/approach A structured conceptual synthesis is adopted, drawing on interdisciplinary literature from design ethics, ESG governance, human–computer interaction and responsible innovation. The paper develops the ethics-by-design for ESG (EbD4ESG) framework through thematic integration and analytical abstraction, supported by illustrative cross-sector examples. Findings UI/UX design decisions significantly influence user trust, informed consent and inclusion, functioning as microlevel governance mechanisms within ESG systems. These interactions, often overlooked in ESG reporting, carry regulatory, reputational and social risks. The framework highlights design as a critical link between corporate strategy and digital responsibility. Research limitations/implications As a conceptual study, the framework lacks empirical validation. Future research should focus on testing, implementation and metric standardization. Practical implications The paper offers actionable strategies for auditing, disclosing and governing ethical design within ESG structures. Social implications Interface design shapes user autonomy, inclusion and well-being, making it central to digital equity. Originality/value The paper advances a novel perspective by positioning UI/UX design as a governance interface within ESG implementation, bridging the gap between high-level ethical commitments and everyday digital interactions. It offers an original, theory-informed framework and actionable tools for integrating ethical design into ESG accountability and disclosure practices.