A Sandbox for (Designing) Democratic Technologies

Abstract

Interactive technologies have reshaped how we connect, socialise, work, and participate in civic life. However, the design of systems that mediate democracy is too often guided by extractive logics of large technological corporations, highlighting the erosion of public values. This workshop invites participants to reimagine how interaction design can foster grassroots democratic engagement. Using a relational sandbox approach (low threshold, low fidelity prototyping, including the use of generative AI), we will explore civic scenarios that involve stakeholder mapping, prototyping, and speculative design to explore power dynamics, strengthen social ties, and support inclusive civic practices. The workshop will contribute to ongoing debates about how HCI can sustain democratic life in times of social and technological crisis.