Job:01212 Title: Basics typography (AVA)
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Octavo 92.8 – 8vo
The last issue of Octavo deserves some special attention.
It was the only Octavo issue to be developed using a
computer. It also came in the form of an interactive CD-ROM,
a communication device that was still in the early stages
of development in 1992. The unusual format of issue 92.8
reinforced the challenging questions raised about the future
of typography in the context of digital communication. The
fact that some of these questions still remain unanswered
shows us how profound the impact of digital technology was
at the time.In order to express their views, and those of their peers, 8vo
created a multi-linear narrative. By clicking on key words, the
user could decide on the order of the text contents. Spoken
texts were then disclosed in combination with displayed text
elements. The user pressed the period or the comma signs to
continue the text display. By fragmenting the sentences, 8vo
forced the user to pause, inviting them to refl ect on certain
text content a little while longer. These pauses, which we
experience naturally during verbal conversations, are now
almost lost in the context of digital typography. It suggests
that 8vo sensed the need to pace carefully the transmission
of digital text information.‘We tried not to have a style,
but an approach, a method
of working.’
Simon Johnston‘...digital technologies are never
around for long enough for us
to build a true understanding of
their nature.’
Jon WozencroftJob:01212 Title: Basics typography (AVA)
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