Once Upon a Time in the Web. Exploring, Interacting and Dialoguing with the World Wide Web of the 1990s

The World Wide Web, first developed at CERN in 1989, is a crucial technology of contemporary societies, on which politic, economic, business, and social interactions are based. Building on insights from a previous SNF-funded research project, this Agora initiative engages scholars and the public in exploring, inter-acting, and “dialoguing” with the history of the Web in the 1990s. Dialoguing and Interacting with the World Wide Web of the 1990s. Through a collaboration between USI and SUPSI, this project aims to reconnect the public with the early years of the Web by investigating its origins, known and unknown figures in its development, early applications, and the societal memories associated with it. The project will underscore the significance of preserving and studying the history of the Web, as well as the broader history of technological innovations, to provide a deeper understanding of their impact on contemporary life and societal structures.

The goal is to foster dialogue between researchers and the public on the Web’s history, exploring its origins, evolution, and impact on today’s digital society - evoking memories and raising aware- ness of the Web’s past.

The project specifically targets families in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, a demographic often overlooked in scientific and educational outreach due to their minority language status in Switzerland. Nevertheless, English translations of the activities will also ensure the fact that other target audiences might be reached, especially in a territory like Ticino which is packed with tourism. To reach this target public we will use:

• Games and Workshops embedded within existing initiatives in the Ticino region, offering hands-on learning experiences, games, and intergenerational dialogue that connect participants with the project’s themes.

• Website with a forum and a user-generated content area, serves as a hub for ongoing discussion and interaction, extending the reach of the project beyond in-person events.

• Podcasts and videos will capture and share the insights gained from the SNF-funded research and the public dialogue, ensuring the project reaches a broader audience.

To maximize quantitative and qualitative impact, the project will be integrated into established cultural and educational events in Ticino, such as Media in Piazza, Long Lake Festival and Locar- no Film Festival, Casa della Sostenibilità, and La Filanda. The project’s promotion and visibility will be supported by a robust communication strategy that includes targeted social media campaigns, local media partnerships, and the distribution of promotional materials in high-traffic public spaces. The project website will be optimized for search engines to ensure broad accessibility and sustained public engagement.

To ensure the project’s success, the collaboration between USI and SUPSI will be strengthened by the expertise of the project partners, who are professionals in public science communication: Associazione TRAME, RSI Radiotelevisione svizzera (SRG SSR), and the Swiss National Sound Archives, with the further collaboration of CERN, Lugano Living Lab (L*3), Lo- Locarno Film Festival, DECS and La Filanda.