Thursday, September 23, 2010

Daily Shot of the Future (of Books...)


The Future of the Book. from IDEO on Vimeo.





I don't know about you all, but this conceptual video about the future of books is pretty damn amazing...  I am stunned.
 
The full article after the jump:



Today IDEO released a five-minute video exploring the future of digital books. Their illustrated concepts highlight some interesting opportunity areas in the publishing industry through three distinct reading experiences:

Nelson reinforces books as critical thinking tools, providing multiple perspectives, references, and current conversations on a single subject. The layers of information beyond the book itself provide greater context and encourages a deeper dive into the book throughout history and into the future.

Coupland addresses the challenge to stay on top of the thinking and writing in our world and professional field that so many of us feel. Readers can easily keep up with "must-reads" by following what colleagues are reading and interact with them through "book clubs" and other social layers (discussions, suggestions, lists, purchases) to help each other share and learn.
Alice explores new ways for users to interact and affect written narratives by introducing non-linear and game mechanics to reading. By introducing the reader's active participation, this concept "blurs the lines between reality and fiction." Certain interactions allow the reader to transcend traditional media by utilizing geographic location, communication with characters, and user contribution to storyline and plot.
The Future of the Book from IDEO on Vimeo.


A very cool blue sky project from IDEO to say the least. I enjoyed the way they chose to compartmentalize the functionality rather than attempting to redefine the book in a single all-inclusive interface (a failure we see in most of these concept projects). This project, and examples appearing all over the industry, only further prove that the future of books in the digital age does not lie in single solution but rather a utilization of technology to better address the wants and needs of users to share, interact, and learn more through specialized design solutions. We are certainly on the precipice of a whole new world for this morphed understanding of the "book."

If you are interested in hearing more about IDEO's project, check out the interview with two of the project's designers, Duane Bray and Robert Lenne, on WNYC's Brian Lehrer Show. There's also a conversation about the topic going on over at IDEO's Facebook page.

Video and photos from IDEO.

22 comments:

  1. I'm about a second away from buying an ebook reader... be nice to be able to keep a whole library in the bathroom...

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  2. NUTS! I'm gonna have to pick one of these up when they become available.

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  3. wow great ! thanks for sharing this awesome technology mate

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  4. Personally I approve of the technology, but the digitizing of books makes post-publishment editing too easy.

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  5. Woo, imagine this... Portable pr0n books. Paperthin. ILOVETECHNOLOGY

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  6. I've always wanted a Kindle or Nook. But I guess my iPhone works just fine.

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  7. Sounds like an interesting concept ill check it out
    thanks mate

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  8. looking forward to it, the future that is of course

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  9. Im also looking forward to reading your posts, thanks for visiting my page(s) it is always very much appreciated

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  10. Now we just need to wait like 5-10 years.

    vgleaks.blogspot.com

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