Designers: Better.Design Solutions, Germany, and IBM Corp.
Client: IBM Corp.
Contact: Robert E. Steinbugler, IDSA, IBM Corp., 919.254.9554

This project explores future methods of news and information delivery and use. It is designed to search for and select news items that are of interest to the subscriber and send the information to him/her periodically over the Internet. This device connects to a service provider via a telephone line or TV cable and quickly downloads the latest information that has been collected on the news server. The news is loaded into the memory of the electronic newspaper and then the first 16 dual-sided pages are displayed.

"Conceptual 'lead' projects like the IBM Electronic Newspaper are extraordinarily valuable as a method of developing human-centered products. It seems fundamentally right to pick a ubiquitous channel for information distribution, such as the newspaper, and understand it from a user's viewpoint. The truth is, we understand more about technology than people, but it's people who use this stuff. Effectively linking past, present and future, the Electronic Newspaper is smart, fully technological and yet has the feel of a familiar object. I especially like how the 16 flexible 'Tyvek' pages allow the paper to be rolled and thumbed through, but are 8.5x11 so they fit into briefcases and onto copy machines."
Dale Fahnstrom, IDSA, Fahnstrom/McCoy

© 1999 Industrial Designers Society of America