Paperfocused

Paperfocused is a term used in design and publishing to describe a philosophy and practice that prioritizes paper as a medium and process. It emphasizes tactile interaction, legibility, and controlled use of digital tools, aiming to produce durable, craft-oriented outcomes and streamlined workflows.

Origins and usage: The term emerged in design and maker communities in the early 2020s, reflecting a shift toward hybrid workflows that blend digital efficiency with physical artifacts. It is commonly linked with zines, letterpress printing, print-on-demand publishing, and the renewed popularity of notebooks and planners.

Principles: Core tenets include selective digitization, careful choice of paper stock and ink, rigorous proofing and color fidelity, and collaboration through physical proofs. Proponents also emphasize documenting processes on paper and using scans or PDFs only when necessary to preserve a tactile workflow.

Applications: The paperfocused approach appears in editorial design, packaging, education materials, archival documentation, and independent publishing. Practitioners may favor paper for readability, accessibility for those with limited digital access, and sustainability when sourcing responsibly managed papers.

Reception: Critics argue that paperfocused methods can slow collaboration and limit scalability, while supporters highlight increased concentration, memory retention, and potential environmental benefits when paired with recycled or responsibly sourced materials.

See also: printmaking, zines, letterpress, digitization, sustainability in publishing.