Digital New Media Timeline: (#1, #2)

One of the blog posts I have to do for my Digital New Media class is keep a timeline of the readings so that we can see the progression of digital media over time. Today you guys will see #1 and #2. The readings (for this week at least) are actually really good, as they come before the explosion that was digital media yet they embody the elements of digital media.


#1- The Garden of Forking Paths
Jorge Luis Borges, 1941
--Helped define a hypertext novel. Read in different ways, Borges' character can be cold-hearted, patriotic or downright evil.
--Effectively used a labyrinth and a maze to represent the troubled nature within the character. Basic levels of game design are seen within the garden.
--Without using animation, Borges created a highly surreal environment with the garden.

#2- As We May Think
Vannevar Bush, 1945
--One of the main creators behind the US Military Industrial Complex during WWII in 1940.
--Seemingly foresaw the future with the reduction in size in technology and the multi-functionality of technology.
--Developed the idea of MEMEX, which was a more effective way of storing information before computers.

It's important to note the dates of these pieces. They were incredibly revolutionary for Digital Media despite not revolving around computers or technology.