New Technologies Discussion Point - Melissa Hunt

It is both inevitable and undeniable that new technologies have, and will continue to have a massive impact on publishing models and typographic practices, but I do not believe this is the end of print. Print has proven its longevity and popularity in many ways.

Print media has been in existence since Pi Sheng first realized the art of letterpress in China around 1045 with his development of clay type. Johannes Gutenberg followed on from this, developing moveable, reusable type, the type mold and the use of ink on metal in the 15^th century, Europe.

Gutenberg’s fundamental principles have endured rapid developments across the design sphere, and whilst design trends come and go, the process of print publishing has withstood almost 1000 years in the industry. Although the basic fundamentals have been built upon and improved, designers still essentially set and print type, just as Gutenberg did in the early 15^th century. The internet and computerized technologies are so new to the world (the internet was only introduced in the mid 1900s), and so I believe print media has a long life ahead yet, before they can truly surpass these key ideologies.

Furthermore, Gutenberg sought to bring print to the masses. Once considered a very upper class, high-end activity, the invention of print has meant the general public has been given the opportunity to learn to read. Still today, books and printed media are widely accessible and available to almost everyone. Despite the internet's (and related technologies) stronghold on society, we must remember that not everybody in our community is connected to the internet, or has access to the world of e-books and such media. Printed forms, such as newspapers and magazines, will continue to captivate society in presenting news and current affairs.

If this is not reason enough for print to continue, there will always remain the niche market that yearn for traditionalism, and the fine art of print. The tactile quality, and aesthetics of reading / interacting with printed media in comparison to looking at something on a screen is unsurpassed and indescribable, and will continue to drive the print world. It might be convenient to download an e-book, or catch up on the news online, but nothing will compare to the smell of a new book and the tactility of the words impressed onto the page.

References:
http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/gutenberg.html
http://www.damoselsprintersblocks.com/history.htm