Co-designing Drifter: A digital application to support mindful walking

[10 Minute Lightning Talk]

The dérive, or drift, is a psychogeographical walking method from the 1950s Situationist movement, where walkers abandon their usual routes and goals for aimless exploration. Originally designed to challenge urban conventions, this approach can be used to support mindfulness, especially for those who find traditional meditation challenging. During this talk, I will explore how this concept was adapted into Drifter, a digital app created through participatory design methods which seeks to enhance awareness and encourage ‘taking notice.’ Indeed, this project demonstrates that technology need not necessarily draw us away from our experience of reality but can actively function as a medium to support real-life everyday experiences.

About the speaker:

Karl Tonna is a London-based UX designer and researcher with a background in psychology and visual arts. He graduated in psychology from the University of Malta before pursuing art and design research in Antwerp, Belgium. There, he explored unconventional data collection methods, including public installations such as the “Anxietree,” which encouraged individuals to share their mental health concerns. Karl’s interest in blending these disciplines led him to an MSc in Human-Computer Interaction Design at City, University of London. Since graduating in 2024, he has been dedicated to researching innovative participatory design methodologies, collaborating with stakeholders and users to create technologies that can enhance everyday experiences.