Abstract
This chapter discusses a methodological problem that advocates of design for values have to face. In order to take into account moral values in designing technology, these values have to be operationalized or made measureable; otherwise it will not be possible to evaluate various design options with regard to these values. A comparison of the operationalization of values with the operationalization of physical concepts shows that certain conditions that enable the operationalization of physical concepts in objective measurement procedures are not fulfilled for the operationalization of values. The most significant difference is that physical concepts are embedded in networks of well-tested theories and operational procedures, which is not the case for moral values. We argue that because of this second-order value judgments play a crucial role in the operationalization of values and that these value judgments seriously undermine any claim that values may be measured in an objective way. The absence of objective measurement of values, however, does not imply that the operationalization and measurement of values in design is arbitrary. In our opinion technical codes and standards may play a major role in coming to a reasonable or justified consensus on how to operationalize and measure moral values in design.