Module 2 – Platform design
Introduction
Information, social interactions, entertainment, shopping, learning… Digital platforms now play a central role in our daily lives.
But make no mistake: nothing about their design is left to chance. From the news feed to notifications and recommended content, every element is carefully designed to capture attention and encourage prolonged use.
This module aims to analyse the design principles underlying these digital environments, through three complementary areas:
The aim? To develop a critical perspective on digital environments, so that we can use them more freely, more consciously and with greater control.
We invite you to embark on a journey of reflection. It encourages you to take a step back and consider your own digital habits, to question the economic principles that underpin the attention economy, and to identify practical ways to support pupils in their digital practices, in line with current educational and civic challenges.
The mechanics of attention capture
This chapter aims to analyse how platforms are designed to become part of our everyday digital lives.
The psychological tactics employed by the platforms
This second chapter aims to understand how platform design harnesses these psychological mechanisms, in order to analyse their effects more effectively and develop a critical perspective on our digital habits.
Regulating attention-grabbing practices: what legal tools are available?
In this final chapter, you will discover how legislation – particularly at European level – seeks to protect users, redress the balance of power with platforms, and champion a digital environment that better respects individual freedom of choice.
