Bolter and Grusin discuss remediation. Rather than solely concentrating on mediation, the focus shifts to remediation, implying that every instance of mediation stems from a preceding act of mediation. We are continuously growing our media, but it is never entirely “new”. It is always inspired, or based on, something existing in history. I find this very interesting, particularly because when I first heard this I thought about how this can’t be possible. I found myself thinking of “new” creations. The cell phone? Remediated multiple times from previous designs… what about Airpods? Remediated from earbuds, and now remediated multiple times by other companies for ideal design. It doesn’t solely derive from earlier versions of the same concept. Cell phones take elements from old phones and televisions. The audio technology in these digital devices traces its roots back to the phonograph, evolving through mediums such as radio and television, and now integrated into our phones.
This idea also makes me think about things outside of digital media. Notice how fashion trends are constantly circling back after a certain amount of time. It is because we are building off these trends, enhancing them to suit contemporary styles, and one day these modern concepts will be considered old and will be built off again. It’s a constant cycle of creating something, then creating a better version of that thing. The design for the tank wheel came from the need for a more efficient wheel that could traverse through different environments. Every innovation originates from a previous iteration tailored to present-day requirements and preferences. I find this a little mind-boggling, knowing that I will always be inspired by something, even subconsciously, when creating something new.