Unread Bookmark: A Clever Design for the Network EraA Bookmark that Connects the Digital and Analog Worlds
In contemporary Internet life, we use a small red dot on the icon to remind us to view unread information. This little red dot has become one of the most understandable visual languages dedicated to electronic screens, while bookmarks are used to separate the read and unread parts of a book and mark the progress of reading.
Chang Wu, a renowned designer, has taken inspiration from this ubiquitous little red dot and transformed it into a unique bookmark called Unread Bookmark. This innovative design bridges the gap between the digital and analog worlds, offering a new way of interaction between the reader and the book.
The Unread Bookmark is made of acrylic with a thickness of 0.5mm, allowing it to be conveniently placed on a page. When you pause your reading, simply clip the bookmark onto the page. The appearance of the red circle on the bookmark is reminiscent of the prompts of unread messages on the Internet, creating a visual connection between the book and the reader.
What sets the Unread Bookmark apart is its ability to link unread messages and the bookmark itself. It creates the illusion that the part behind the little red dot is what you have not read, waiting for you to delve into. This clever design adds a new layer of engagement to the reading experience, reminding you to continue exploring the rest of the book.
The design process for the Unread Bookmark involved overcoming various challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was selecting a suitable material that balanced hardness and elasticity. After careful consideration, the designer settled on acrylic, ensuring durability and flexibility for everyday use.
The Unread Bookmark project commenced in May 2018 in Guangzhou and was completed in July 2018. The meticulous research behind this design involved studying the visual language of the little red dot on electronic screens and its association with unread messages. By translating this concept into a physical bookmark, Chang Wu has created a tangible representation of the digital world within the pages of a book.
This innovative design has garnered recognition in the design community and was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Art and Stationery Supplies category in 2019. The Unread Bookmark exemplifies creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. It contributes to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: Chang Wu
Image Credits: Image #1 : Photographer Wu Chang,2018.
Image #2 : Photographer Wu Chang,2018.
Image #3 : Photographer Wu Chang,2018.
Image #4 : Photographer Wu Chang,2018.
Project Team Members: Zhong chaoze
Project Name: Unread
Project Client: Chang Wu