As our democratic institutions struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of technological development, it is crucial to reclaim our right to a more just digital future. The erosion of the public sphere is accelerating, and the design field is increasingly dominated by forces that prioritize profit. However, it does not have to be this way. By designing digital technologies that optimized for public value and collective participation, we could create a more transparent, engaged, and informed society. Data-driven tools could aid in decision- making processes that served the public interest. This study will explore the role of participatory design and user-centered approaches as a component for public interest technologies. By moving away from the tools of surveillance capitalism and designing tools that empower the public and fulfill citizens' needs, we can mediate, facilitate, and negotiate a collective future that benefits us all.