In 2012, it’s difficult to remember a time when the Yellow Pages got widespread use as anything more than a footrest, or when ads were created by hand rather than put together in software like Photoshop or InDesign. Back in 1977, AT&T (then Bell) debuted a way to move Yellow Pages ad copy creators off manual design and onto a fairly massive system built for image manipulation. The downright triumphant demonstration below shows how to create an ad with computer graphics, including scanned drawings and a library of images that can be moved around with a pen-like mouse precursor. Best of all, it’s “all controlled by a computer program” that eliminates the need for an artist or camera. The Yellow Pages may have been a victim of the internet’s success, but the fascinating video is worth the whole five minutes it takes to watch it.
Making Yellow Pages ads with cutting-edge computer graphics, circa 1977
An AT&T demonstration video from 1977 showcases a new method for creating ads for the Yellow Pages with computer graphics.
An AT&T demonstration video from 1977 showcases a new method for creating ads for the Yellow Pages with computer graphics.
is a senior tech and policy editor focused on online platforms and free expression. Adi has covered virtual and augmented reality, the history of computing, and more for The Verge since 2011.
Thanks to member dsrubin!
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