The Political Life of Platforms: Genealogies, Dismantlings, and Acts of Digital Care

This short talk traces the political trajectories of civic tech platform. Rather than seeing platforms as neutral tools, we will approach them as political infrastructures (designed, contested, sometimes co-opted or dismantled). Through the lens of genealogy, we will explore how these platforms emerged from analog movements, how power shifts (such as Madrid's political swing from progressive to conservative leadership) affect their continuity, and how users and designers alike are shaped by what we call Political User Experience (PUX).

Structure and Format:
10-minute talk, supported by a visual slideshow in fanzine style, includes excerpts from interviews and visual/political genealogies of platforms,

Target Audience:

• Platform developers, UX designers

• Researchers and students in civic tech or digital democracy

• Cultural practitioners and participation professionals

Logistical Needs: Slides, Play audio (optional, for brief clips , spoken word intro)

Language of the Session:
English