SociaLayer

Media has connected us humans since the beginning of time – from the first messages on clay tablets to the comment sections on Instagram. Today, much of our communication takes place via social networks: we exchange political opinions, seek information, build professional connections, and share private moments. All of this, however, happens within commercialized platforms whose design greatly influences how we communicate, what we see, and how we are perceived.

In the course Sociable Media, we critically examine these digital environments – both their societal impact and the creative possibilities they offer. At the same time, we look toward the future: What developments are already emerging today, and what might social media look like in the year 2037?

Based on the assumption that by then everyone will be able to afford augmented reality glasses, we developed our own concept for a new kind of social network. At its core lies the question of how digital belonging, interaction, and identity can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life through AR – visible, approachable, and connected. Using the HfG as a case study, we designed a platform that makes digital communities tangible and transforms social media into an immersive, lived experience.

With our AR network “SocialLayer”, entirely new dimensions of social interaction unfold. The integrated Social Mode provides intuitive access to new groups and allows you to get to know your fellow students in a completely new way.

A discreetly displayed profile overlay – showing username, interests, and programming skills – helps identify shared traits at a glance and makes it easier to connect.

Another feature allows you to listen in on nearby group conversations and join in directly. In this way, spontaneous communication is encouraged, and new encounters happen naturally.

With SocialLayer, being together becomes more visible, more approachable – and a tangible part of everyday life.