Everything old is new again?

The advent of Internet shopping has me thinking how, in spite of technological advances does not mean real change. 100 years ago, Americans would order goods through the Sears catalog, and wait for the Wells Fargo wagon to deliver the order. Today, you go on Amazon or another ordering site, and wait for the Brown (UPS) to show up with your order. Either way, you wait.

The same is true with graphic design. In the “old days” layouts were marker renderings on boards. Once the layout was approved, it went into production which everyone knew took time. Today, you can put together a layout that looks pretty finished using scrap art and inexpensive photography. However, it still takes time to put together files that can be printed, even if the layout looks like a finished piece.

We have instant access to people, virtual communities, but are we less lonely?

Are there other things that “progress” appears to have changed, but really hasn’t?