We approached issue 16.2 with the goal of redefining the publication, with a much more bold, enlivened, and display-worthy design. We represented the theme, “Beyond the Future,” with a graphic treatment concerned as much with what may be enduring – monospaced type that recalls computer programming – as with cultural notions of the future that could not help but reflect their own time.
Photo subjects are layered into their environments, suggesting not only dynamic dimensionality, if not virtual reality: The content is not simply presented as flat and indifferent, but with shape and seemingly closer and more personal to the reader.
Bold use of both color and darkness are met with sparkling spot varnish, conducting the reader’s attention and focus like an orchestra, while graphic artifacts and “easter eggs” abound, all suggesting the many layers of media, format, and process beneath each piece. The machinery of “technology” from which the “future” is being made is allowed to shine through, as is an excitement for the possibilities.
