the demise of print is topic that has had at least somewhat broad discussion among graphic designers since the web continues to grow and grow. yes, print is shrinking/will shrink more in it’s use, but it’s not going away, and i think we may even see a digital “backlash” to a certain extent. following are several reasons i take this position;

print is tactile, and this will actually become more valuable the less common print is. this is not to be confused with “touchable,” at least as i’m defining the terms. the iphone and ipad are touchable, but they lack the texture, the feel of smooth, or linen, matte or glossy that print gives.

print is now visually unexpected and delightful, looking at the reflected light of print rather than the projected light of digital. i noticed this about myself even recently when i got a final printed piece back from the vendor. i had been working a lot on the computer, and the matte, reflected light of the postcard surprised me. the quality of it made me actively think.

print also exists in physical space. i guess so does your computer or mobile device, but the content doesn’t. i think this give print a feeling of groundedness that digital lacks.

print is not being replaced by digital, but taking on a different role. true, it will no longer be the primary source of content delivery, but rather is/will be used to evoke certain emotions and engage senses that digital cannot. really to give a feeling that digital cannot.

so, couple the best things about print with the best things about digital to to create enjoyable experiences, and to foster connectedness and increased interactivity between humans beings. it’s how your using mediums to help people that matters.