Researchers at the University of Central Lancashire have created what is thought to be the first ever interactive newspaper poster, featuring internet enabled technology.
In a bold new move for Print journalism, new technology has been used to create a newspaper that will be printed in a poster format using special ‘smart’ paper. The content on the paper can then change, take users to a website or play sounds and music when touched.
The digital co-ordinator at the University of Central Lancashire’s school of journalism and communication is Paul Egglestone. He spoke about the new interactive newspaper project, saying:
“We are developing an entirely new platform for community news and information by connecting paper to the internet to create what is believed to be the world's first internet-enabled newspaper.
"The aim of the new technology is to bridge the digital gap, giving people access to the internet through a new platform, and also to encourage new Forms of community news, communication and social engagement.”
The website for Interactive newsprint describes the new technology as a way to turn sheets of paper into displays that can be interacted with. It has also been said that microphones, sliders, buttons and mobile communication devices can also be incorporated into the new ‘smart’ paper.
Egglestone believes that this new interactive newspaper will give a boost to the printing industry, allowing printing companies in Preston to adopt new Forms of technology that help them to produce new cutting edge newspapers like this in future.
For now, the focus is still very much on traditional digital printing, but Preston could soon be at the forefront on major developments in interactive Print thanks to the research being carried out at the local university. Get a Free Quote for Forms Get a Free Quote for Print
