French graphic design house, Zim and Zou, have recently finished their highly anticipated Back to Basics project, a beautiful study of vintage technologies in paper-craft form. Featuring iconic designs from the 80’s era, the likes of the Polaroid camera, Gameboy, floppy disk, Walkman and NES controller have been faithfully re-created in the era’s bold and brash colours.
The duo decided to work solely in paper for the project as a reaction to the fast evolution of technology in recent years. Paper in communication has become less relevant since the dawn of the digital age, but Zim and Zou’s creations use it to highlight the level of craftsmanship that is usually taken for granted in these beautiful designs. By bringing these long forgotten objects back to life, the designers also raise questions about modern technology; Will we regard it with the same nostalgia? How will it influence future technologies? Is the lack of tactile quality dampening our experiences with modern devices?
The whole project took the pair around a year to complete between commercial clients. A typical piece, such as the Polaroid camera, would be mocked-up in around 2 days, with the fine detailing taking another 2 weeks minimum. Although adding heavily in time to the project, Zim and Zou consciously kept their use of computers to a minimum, mimicking the original process’ used in the design of these familiar objects. Whilst the lack of digital technology has meant that none of the designs can be reproduced, the beautiful contrast between industrial objects and unique handmade craft makes them all the more special.
The designers have vowed to update the collection regularly, so check their web page in the coming months for the latest editions.
(via-dontpaniconline)
shingangu.com 
