For centuries, it was all paper. Now, it’s HTML.

he advent of Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press in the mid-15th century solidified paper as the primary medium for disseminating information and propagating knowledge. Paper not only influenced the visual appeal and structure of documents and publications but also established the page as the fundamental canvas for expressing ideas. Similar to the constraints imposed by musical scales, paper set the standards for what could be envisioned and accomplished in the realm of communication.

Who could have foreseen a world devoid of large folding maps not too long ago? Yet, today, their absence in stores is conspicuous, replaced by the omnipresence of digital maps like Google Maps. Similarly, the internet has reshaped the landscape of the newspaper industry, with more than half of American and British news consumers favoring online reading over print editions. Additionally, the dwindling average visit duration to news websites underscores our preference for quick and convenient access to relevant information.

These statistics hint at our growing detachment from traditional paper-based mediums. Moreover, they highlight the evolving demands of information consumers, who seek engaging and easily accessible content. Hence, there’s a pressing need to rethink the delivery of informational documents. HTML emerges as the digital equivalent of paper, facilitating swift access to information across various devices. Furthermore, to enhance user engagement and prolong interaction durations, information must be presented as immersive experiences, captivating users with its relevance and appeal.

In today’s digital age, companies generate an overwhelming number of high-quality documents, predominantly in the static PDF format inherited from the print era. However, these documents often fail to meet the expectations of modern users, lacking quick access to relevant information and meaningful engagement. Therefore, there’s a compelling case for redesigning these documents as “InfoApps,” mini websites that blend traditional document design with intuitive web-based user interfaces. By embracing this new document format, we can reignite the interest of information consumers, transforming every document into a dynamic and interactive experience akin to navigating a website.