From the first messages on clay tablets to the comment column on Instagram: Media has connected us humans since the beginning of time. Much of our communication today takes place in mass media such as social networks. We use social media to exchange political views, find information, build professional networks and share private moments. Much of this communication takes place within the boundaries of a commercialized internet on a few dominant platforms. The design of these digital environments undoubtedly has an influence on how we communicate with each other online, what we see and how we are perceived. In addition, the media transformation is also changing our society.
In this course, students critically reflect on these digital environments and their influence on our communication and society. They use Design Futuring methods to create speculative scenarios, critical reflections or innovative future products in the field of social media.
What social, technological and political trends can we observe in the field of social media?
What methods from design futuring can we use to explore possible futures of digital media that connect people?
How can I give others tangible and visual access to my design for the future?
How can I use design as a form of (visual) storytelling to open up new perspectives?
Miora is a speculative social media concept that rethinks connection in 2035 — a time when most platforms are driven by AI-generated content, synthetic interactions, and metrics of influence. In contrast, Miora offers something quieter and deeper: a network that senses how you feel, and responds with care.
How it works
Using data from your phone — or more precisely, a wearable device called Miora Sense — the system detects emotional signals through changes in how you type, speak, move, or breathe. Sometimes it knows something’s off even before you do. And when that happens, it doesn’t push. It gently asks: “Do you want to check in?”
You choose what happens next — whether you want to handle it alone, talk to a friend, or reach out to your AI coach.
Sharing differently
But Miora is more than an emotional sensing tool. It’s also a truly social social network. You can share short, intentional signals — small moments, honest thoughts — with limited posts and replies. Because less noise makes space for more presence.
Your feed is made up of real connections: classmates, coworkers, neighbors, or people who feel like you do.
Emotional Flow
Over time, you see your emotional patterns in Emotional Flow — a visual reflection of your inner shifts. You decide what stays private, and what you share.
And when stress rises across a shared space — a classroom, a team, a community — Miora responds.
Not loudly, but respectfully. It adapts its tone and invites collective care.
The Healing Network
We call it the Healing Network — a calm, digital space where empathy matters more than algorithms, and where being human is finally enough.
This video shows how Miora works.
Miora is a social app from the future. It helps people feel better and connect with others. It can notice how someone is feeling — even without words. The app supports users in a gentle and respectful way.
The Poster
This poster presents the core idea behind Miora — a social network designed to foster emotional connection instead of digital performance.
The poster visualizes the two key elements of the system: the wearable that detects subtle signals from the body, and the app, where users can reflect, connect, and share intentionally.
Miora is not about visibility.
It’s about feeling — and knowing you’re not alone.