The capability approach and a critique of the design of digital spaces

Abstract This paper contends that the current status of digital platforms, marked by their increasing complexity and user dissatisfaction, is not only a consequence of market forces or technological limitations, but also of the philosophical assumptions that guide the design of these platforms. We argue that technology companies employ a utilitarian framework, specifically one which equates welfare with the satisfaction of revealed preferences, and which fails to capture the full range of human capabilities and freedoms necessary for well-being. This narrow focus on immediate preference satisfaction constrains the potential of digital spaces to support genuine human flourishing. By drawing on Amartya Sen’s notion of capabilities, we expand the evaluative framework to include a more comprehensive understanding of individual well-being—one that embraces choice and substantive freedoms. We explore how this shift could transform the design of digital platforms to better align with the broader needs of users and society. Ultimately, we argue that integrating capabilities into digital design not only enhances individual freedom but fosters more inclusive and meaningful online interactions.