Module 2 – Platform design
Introduction
Information, social interaction, entertainment, shopping, learning… Digital platforms now play a central role in our daily lives. But make no mistake : nothing in their design is accidental. From news feeds and notifications to recommended content, every element is carefully designed to capture attention and encourage prolonged engagement.
This module aims to unpack the design strategies that shape digital environments through three complementary perspectives:
The goal is to foster a critical understanding of digital environments, enabling more informed, conscious, and autonomous use.
This module offers a reflective learning journey. It encourages participants to step back from their own digital habits, question the economic models underpinning the attention economy, and explore practical ways to support students in developing healthier and more critical digital practices, in line with today’s educational and civic challenges.
The mechanics of attention capture
This chapter explores how digital platforms are intentionally designed to embed themselves into our everyday digital practices and sustain user engagement over time.
The psychological techniques used by digital platforms
This second chapter explores how platform design activates these psychological mechanisms in order to better understand their effects and develop a more critical perspective on our digital habits and online behaviours.
Regulating the attention economy: what legal tools exist ?
In this final chapter, you will explore how legislation — particularly within the European Union — aims to protect users, rebalance power dynamics between individuals and platforms, and promote a digital environment that better respects autonomy and informed choice.
