This Master’s thesis focuses on a critical examination of individuals’ discursive behavior in democratic contexts.

The central objective was to investigate why we hesitate to reflect on our own discursive behavior and why this has significant implications for democracy. The following research question was posed: How can a card-based design intervention foster critical self-reflection on individuals’ roles in democratic discourse?

Through analyses of studies and literature from the fields of social psychology (WEDO), design (speculative design), and philosophy (Bell Hooks), it was determined that various factors, such as framing, echo chambers, and social conditioning make it difficult for us to develop a comprehensive perspective, which often prevents us from participating in discourse on equal footing. This can be counteracted through various already existing strategies, such as conversation interventions, workshops, etc., which, however, do not explicitly aim at critical self-reflection.

Through this work, people are invited to question their own persona within the tension of “discourse” and thus take a more active part in democracy.