Philosophers Akademia
A personal social media/hub project.
As someone with a long-standing interest in philosophy, I've spent time reading the works of thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Schopenhauer, and Ayn Rand, as well as following philosophy communities online. More recently, I've noticed a growing interest in philosophy amongst younger audiences, largely driven by content shared across social media platforms.
While social media has made philosophical ideas more accessible, it often reduces complex concepts into short quotes, clips, and simplified interpretations. The deeper discussions, context, and critical thinking that philosophy encourages can easily become lost amongst algorithms, trends, and the fast-paced nature of modern platforms.
What would a social media platform look like if it was designed specifically for thoughtful discussion rather than endless consumption? (Another goal being to improve users attention spans).
The goal wasn't to recreate existing social media, but to combine the best elements of several platforms. Drawing inspiration from the simplicity of Instagram, the discussions of Reddit, and the engagements of X, I began designing a space centred around learning and friendly yet thoughtful discussions.
Philosopher's Akademia is a social platform built around the works and ideas of historical philosophers. Users can follow philosophers that interest them, discover their take on current world affairs, explore original texts and essays, learn about historical context, and engage in discussions with others. Rather than prioritising constant engagement, the platform encourages deeper exploration and meaningful conversations.
This personal project explores how UX can be used to create an environment that rewards thoughtful participation and learning, rather than simply competing for attention.
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I started by mapping a high-level sitemap to give the platform some structure before moving into designs. While it will continue to grow and evolve over time, having this foundation in place made it much easier to start thinking about user personas, journeys, and how the different areas of the platform connect together.
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Updated: 24/06/26