Virtual Pop-Up Books - The Point Would Be…?
The Institute for the Future of the Book is a fascinating group who are “investigating the evolution of intellectual discourse as it shifts from printed pages to networked screens.” In the group’s blog if:book, topics focus on the future of reading and writing.
A recent post by Sebastian Mary, titled “virtual pop-up book in papervision,” asked this very pertinent question:
Will the children of the future only experience pop-up books in animated form, onscreen? Or would the pop-up book conceit only have resonance for those raised on the paper versions?
To put it another way, would an animated ‘book’ enchant or simply baffle an adult raised since infancy on screen-based reading? If so, the many well-meaning attempts to transpose codex-like qualities into the digital realm ultimately serve only to comfort those dwindling generations for whom in early years print took precedence over digital text.
The Eco Zoo website is an odd combination of digital imagery and audio with a 3D presentation of a traditional pop-up book… I’m not sure I really get the point.
However I do wonder about the future… if all books are digital, how does one represent a pop-up book? Or will there be new and different technology that will supersede it?
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June 26th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I recently discovered my first exquisite pop-up book on Amazon (planned to give it as a gift). When book arrived I admit I kept it for myself.
I am one of those old-timers who built model airplanes and boats from scratch. I am fascinated with ship models built from paper.
Pop-up books are an art form. I don’t them as reading material.
IMHO any adult who isn’t enchanted by both the pop-up experience and the skill and artistry that is required to produce these books probably doesn’t read and surely wouldn’t appreciate digital imagery.
While digital 3D is also amazing it will never replace the tactile experience of opening a good pop-up book. In fact someone raised on 3D imagery will be more appreciative of the pop-up.They tell a story beyond reading ink on paper.