Without relent, our attention is vied for by an overwhelming surplus of information, data, opinions, and news. Like fodderstack, we are force fed this ‘pabulum’ of content. While much can be said about the quality of the content, the way we take in this surfeit of information is just as impactful as what is said. The ‘way’ is what we refer to as media. Marshall McLuhanstack, a pioneer in new media theory, observed that the media of delivery: oral, print, newspaper, live tv etc... is often more important than the content itself. And this media is highly influential in altering what humans want and the way people think.

This project is borne of both a curiosity and a fear. I’m no luddite and so I welcome advancements in technology. I make no pretense of having great insight, other than the fact that I, too, am at the brink of this overwhelming, changing relationship with new media. The role of the designer is taking on an unprecedented gravitas and the responsibility of visual communicators is growing faster than our realization of the consequences. To design ethically is one thing, but the true threat is much deeper than the creation of manipulative ads that persuade a schmuck to purchase a beer or two.

The true threat is that the ways and tools of design have a seemingly irrevocable impact on not only the actions of society at large, but on the individual’s way of life and consciousness. The isolating effects of our media consumption have the power to mold a limited worldview, despite the apparent connectivity offered by the internet. But to simply wag a finger in reproach of the smartphone is an inadequate response. The wounds aren’t so easily diagnosable or obvious as this. Design is at its most basic level a visual experience, but the consequences of design are not so apparently seen.

That we sit in a car, waiting for food tossed in a bag to pass through our window instead of dining is far more profound than the food itself. But don’t we expect that the food in the bag is of a lesser standard than most? Have we chosen fast food over good food? Or have we learned to like fast food, regardless of quality, simply because getting it is easier?

This website acts as an extension to the print and physical studies. The layout is brutalist in style. This simply means that many typical web design aesthetic and functionality standards are either disregarded or purposefully subverted to remind the viewer about the current expectations of the web. (See "Narrowed Scope" in the booklet.)Pabulum is affected by the user, who morphs it into something of their own. Move your mouse, click on things. See where you end up and what you make... or destroy.