Network Imaginaries

Network Imaginaries is a project that reimagines distributed practices. It is published by Hackers & Designers, a non-profit workshop initiative that organizes activities at the intersection of technology, design, and art. The publication brings together diverse voices, creating a space where new perspectives unfold:

The contributors span a wide range of practices and reflect about network technologies in experimental and hands-on ways. They push the boundaries of existing technology and programming platforms (webware, hardware, software), online/offline networks, high and low tech (internet, IPFS, darknet, peer2peer, blockchain, bot networks, radio), and user experience — in a practical manner and while addressing the ethical implications of the proposed technologies and processes.

This publication was designed with ChattyPub, a self-made publishing tool leveraging an open source chat interface (Zulip) to apply css styles to the contributions. ChattyPub explores how a process of co-designing a publication unfolds in a chat environment, specifically when several people are designing and interfering at the same time. Through workshops H&D opened up the process of making this tool, and explores together with participants its possibilities and limitations.

Network Imaginaries embraces a diverse range of free typefaces created by women, with a design that playfully engages with digital culture aesthetics—from the raw look of terminal windows to the expressive realm of emojis. The contrasting duo of Compagnon Light and Compagnon Bold establishes a strong visual hierarchy, with their weight and style difference providing distinction to the content. Their monospace nature gives a grid-like structure to the text, typical of coding environments. This foundation is complemented by Anthony and Movement Indirect Thin, adding an eclectic flair to headlines and subtitles, while Authentic Sans and Literata balance the body text with clarity.