“As We May Think”: a Reading Response
The reading is text heavy. The beginning of the reading is very confusing. It starts by talking about war and peace, scientists and physicists which makes the reader (myself) question what the text is about and how it relates to design. It is only when starting to read chapter two that the text becomes more related to design by talking about the creation of the machine and placing a time frame using mass production. This is when the reader realises that the text is older. Although the text was published in 1945 the author had quite an interesting and advanced view on the technology he is talking about. Coming back to the time frame of the reading, this clears up what the text is about which is, the production of technology such as for photography and type. That is not easy to notice at the start like I said before since technology is only spoken of by chapter two. In chapter two the reader is presented with photography and the different evolutions of cameras. By chapter three, the reading turns toward the technology of type. Therefore, typewriters are at the forefront. The next chapters, the author continues to talk about the advancements in machines that make it easier for people to work. The author puts emphasis on the fact that scientists create these machines. The author talks a lot of logic. The text shows a lot about human experience and history from the white man’s perspective who were the ones in the forefront of the invention and use of the machines created. A few things I found interesting in the reading were mainly about photography such as the invention of the camera and photography was to create a new way to record things other than paper or wax. Another interesting thing was that the other says that dry photography is sloppy which is funny since many love the aesthetic in this time. A question that arose when reading was since scientists have invented all these machines should we consider them designers as well? In conclusion, the author clearly had a lot to say about technology and machines for his time. He is a real intellect in the topic. Although, for the length of the text, the lack of in keeping the reader hooked. After a few chapters my interest faded. The most interesting part for me to be honest was about the evolution of photography because I love this form of art. Overall, the text felt too heavy with information that did not necessarily have to be put all together, in my opinion.