An interesting new trend according to Designboom is the return to low-tech equipment:
“As technology evolves, new innovations are constantly replacing old ones. this cycle is repeated over and
over until old technologies are almost completely forgotten. whether this is good or bad is really in theÂ
eyes of the beholder, but the pace of technological innovation is unavoidable. in the past this technology
turnaround was slow and measured, but it has been steadily increasing to a rapid clip today. so fast in fact,
that many of us have trouble keeping up.Â
in spite of these hurried times, some of choose to stick with what we know or look back in history.Â
rather than listening to music on an mp3 player, some choose to listen to lp records and rather than designÂ
a poster using the latest computer software, some choose to use an antique letterpress. this burgeoningÂ
trend of anti-digital activity can perhaps be attributed to a form of technology nostalgia but there is clearly
something more. for starters, many of the people turning to retro-tech weren’t even born when these
original products were around. there is something else at work, perhaps something is missing from the
future-forward disposable technology of today? with each new generation of technology we loseÂ
something from the past, the comforting sound of the needle on vinyl or just getting our hands dirtyÂ
instead of messing around with a mouse.Â
high technology may be the zeitgeist of today, but every trend has its adversary. today this adversary takes
the form of vinyl records, film cameras, typewriters and other relics form the past. perhaps we seek comfort
in the familiar or just need a break from our digital lifestyles. no matter what the reason, there is a clear
movement at work that can be seen throughout contemporary culture. looking into the future, the products
and tools we use today may soon be added to this list of antiquated technology, awaiting a resurgence of
there own.”
Personally, I enjoy using some of these old analogue synths, such as the fantastic Korg Ms20.
