Typewriters- The New and Trendy: Objectified Blog Response

After watching Gary Hustwit’s documentary, Objectified, I have come to realize the importance of the simplicity and presentation of function within a design. To me, something that has always been pleasing to look at is the typewriter- specifically ones in the 1950’s. I feel as though typewriter designers held a clear image of what they wanted their ‘future’ to look like. This specific model was portable, and was specifically designed to be comfortable where the fingers pressed the keyboard (little indents), as well as displaying a sound that is still mimicked in modern day phones and keyboards. The typewriter was so significant that it continues to be altered and remodelled in modern society in the forms of laptops, phones, and computers. 

Objectified had mentioned a key idea that I wanted to address- which is that people are constantly drawn to the ‘new,’ and ‘trendy,’ which ultimately hinders consumers from purchasing products (34:40). Because of this, I believe humans often turn to nostalgia to bring comfort in a fast paced changing world (44:01). When people look back on objects and memories they are fond of, humans tend to have an urge to ‘reclaim’ what has been lost. And although typewriters are seen as out of date, I believe that generations will continue to grow and evolve, and find themselves looking back on typewriters with fondness. Not because they have ever used one, but because it is a part of human history- just how in the present world people visit museums, or refer to philosophers.

 I have a theory that when humans are advancing at such a fast pace, the ‘new,’ and ‘trendy,’ technology will become dull and boring. Which will allow designers to look into the past- and typewriters may become the next trend. We have already seen this idea emerge with clothing (Mom Jeans, Corduroys, Scrunchies, etc..), and even flip phones (Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3), so why not typewriters? 

The main attraction I find with a typewriter is the simplicity it carries. The typewriter has one main goal- to put ideas into ink- and turn them into words. And that simplicity can be reassuring to the complicated lives humans are burdened with. While it's nice to have 40 apps on your phones and the endless possibilities the internet provides, it can be overwhelming and stressful in a way. Having a long lasting tool to do one tedious specific task can have a calming effect on oneself. For no one has the constant distractions and influences of the media, or the overly confusing overload of information from the internet (such as this blog). As well as the knowing of having a reliable object that won't shatter if you bump it against a wall. If I could gather one idea from Objectified, it would be to remind oneself of the simple pleasures in life. To get away from the constant noise of technology and production in today's society. Typewriters are simple creatures that are aware of what they do best and own it- they type.