This document discusses the evolution of written communication from ancient times to the modern digital age. It begins with the origins of writing as a response to social needs for record keeping and administration. Next it addresses the printing press and how it enabled widespread distribution of written works, acting as a disruptive innovation. Finally, it examines how digital technologies and the internet have transformed typography and the future of the written word. The presentation cites experts on the social drivers of technological change and innovation.

1. From Ink to Pixel, and Beyond…

2. The written word…

3. The invention of writing, the answer to a “supervening social necessity”?

4. supervening social necessity “Why are many ‘inventions’ created more or less simultaneously by technologists who had no contact with each other?” Brian Winston

5. The printed word…

6. The printing press, a “disruptive innovation”?

7. Low-end Innovation “occurs when existing products are ‘too good’ and hence overpriced relative to the value existing customers can use.” Clayton Christensen

8. The typed word…

9. Web Typography, a Victimof the Law of Suppression?

10. How do YOU See the Future of Typography?

11. Credits Presentation by KatiaFarage | katiaf@uw.edu CC share-and-share alike, non-commercial use Slide 1: “new font in progess” by vintageglasses. Image retrieved on Feb 25, 2010 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/27491954@N06/3349753448/ Slide 2-3: “The Magura cave” by PlamenStoev . Image retrieved on Feb 25, 2010 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/plamenstoev/1183490366/ Slide 3: A. Frutiger. (1983). “Water signl” Image scanned from Des Signes et des Hommes, Editions Delta & SPES, Lausanne. Slide 4: “16th century printing press…” by TamlynLeigh . Image retrieved on Feb 25, 2010 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/tamlynleigh/3634251567/ Slide 5: “Book” by no typographic man. . Image retrieved on Feb 25, 2010 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/kusamakura/2413733274/ Slide 6: “Green Typography” by bluestvenus . Image retrieved on Feb 25, 2010 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/venus/1274658/ Slide 7: “Slide | Web Typography Panel” by quasarkitten . Image retrieved on Feb 25, 2010 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/quasarkitten/3355377438/ Slide 8: “Matrix Code” by My Melting Brain. Image retrieved on Feb 25, 2010 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/trinity-of-one/20562069/