Burning Man Org: Prototyping Digital Intimacy Through Social Play
In 2020, as the world dealt with physical distancing, Wonderland partnered with the Burning Man Organization to prototype a radically new concept: digital intimacy. The goal was to foster the connection and emotional closeness that defines Burning Man's core experiences, but in a fully digital environment. This was based on Michael Ronen’s immersive design work, inspired by his collaborations with the Co-Reality Collective, as well as his ongoing interest in creating meaningful social play experiences online.
The Challenge: Recreating the Spirit of Burning Man DigitallyThe Challenge: Recreating the Spirit of Burning Man Digitally
Burning Man is known for its physical gathering in the Nevada desert, where tens of thousands of people come together to experience radical self-expression, connection, and community. The global pandemic made it impossible to gather in person, and the core management team wanted to find a way to bring those same emotional connections into the digital realm. The challenge was not just about creating a virtual event—it was about fostering a sense of intimacy and deep social connection that could feel authentic even online.
The Concept: Social Play as the Heart of Digital IntimacyThe Concept: Social Play as the Heart of Digital Intimacy
Wonderland and Michael Ronen, alongside the Co-Reality Collective, explored the idea of using social play to recreate those authentic moments of connection in a digital space. By combining elements of role-play, interactive storytelling, and group participation, we designed a framework where participants could engage in spontaneous, meaningful interactions.Wonderland and Michael Ronen, together with the Co-Reality Collective, explored the concept of using social play to recreate those authentic moments of connection in a digital space. By combining elements of role-play, interactive storytelling, and group participation, we designed a framework where participants could engage in spontaneous, meaningful interactions.
Key features of the prototype included:
- Immersive Digital Environments: Participants could navigate virtual spaces that mimicked the freedom and creativity of the Playa, encouraging exploration and discovery.
- Role-Playing: Attendees were invited to step into alternate personas and take part in guided experiences where they could express themselves in new and playful ways. This helped break down social barriers and allowed for deeper emotional connections.
- Social Play Games: By introducing group activities such as interactive challenges and missions, we created opportunities for participants to engage in shared experiences, building a sense of community even across screens.
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Digital Intimacy: Breaking the Barriers of Physical Distancing
A central component of the experience was breaking the barriers of physical distancing and creating moments of digital intimacy. Participants were encouraged to interact in small groups or one-on-one settings, engaging in conversations that mirrored the depth of in-person connections. This was achieved through personalized, real-time prompts that guided interactions, encouraging attendees to share stories, ideas, and reflections that helped foster authentic connections.
As described in Michael Ronen's article on Medium, this project was a reimagining of what digital spaces can be, transforming them from cold, transactional environments into places where genuine human connections could be made [oai_citation:1,10 Best Prototyping Tools for Designers in 2024](https://clickup.com/blog/prototyping-tools/) .
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The Outcome: Creating Digital Togetherness
The prototype achieved its goal of creating a sense of togetherness and community in a fully digital environment. Participants left the experience feeling like they had shared something special with others, despite the physical distance between them. The success of this project demonstrated that, with the right blend of social play and immersive design, it’s possible to recreate the emotional richness of in-person events in the digital world.
For more details on the digital intimacy project and Michael Ronen’s immersive design philosophy, you can explore his thoughts on these challenges in his articles:
https://ronenmichael.medium.com/how-to-reframe-technology-and-design-an-incredible-online-camp-experience-for-burning-man-2020-6a3d2552e897 How to Reframe Technology for Burning Man 2020]
]https://ronenmichael.medium.com/can-we-create-digital-intimacy-in-times-of-physical-distancing-a7d5c754446c Can We Create Digital Intimacy in Times of Physical Distancing?
Michael Ronen
Founder Wonderland Immersive Design
Michael Ronen is a multifaceted entrepreneur with a rich background that spans theater direction and immersive technology. His career began in the arts, particularly in theater and film directing, before transitioning into the tech industry.
