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?