Information Architects Inc.
Interview with Oliver Reichenstein

Red Dot: Who is the iA Notebook designed for?

The notebook was originally intended to be a gift for customers. Then, against all odds, it became a commercial product. Today, it is used by writers, journalists and people who appreciate beautiful writing instruments, and it is also often bought as a gift.

Why did you create the lines as watermarks?

We initially intended to emboss them, but embossing always produces one elevated side and one recessed side. That felt inconsistent. We didn’t want to print the lines, because the idea was that the only ink on the pages should be written by the user. The watermarks are a subtle but very functional solution that resonates with our commitment to craftsmanship. When the pages are held up to the light, the lines give them additional depth.

Why do you think an analogue product like this notebook is still relevant?

Handwriting slows you down, but in a good way. It creates focus and combines movement with thought. People who are used to typing on a keyboard find handwriting awkward at first. After a while, though, they realise that this process leads to different results, ones that are more reflective and tangible. Also, when we make an effort while writing, our handwriting improves. Obviously, not all of us will become calligraphy experts, but a carefully handwritten text adds inherent quality to the words we write. To some extent that is because writing on paper forces us to think first, and that generally leads to better results. Writing down a first draft is like sharpening an axe before cutting down a tree: it saves time and the outcome is better.