Invented in Germany by Johannes Gutenberg in 1440 and is now seen as the start of the evolution of printed communication as it was the first machine that could mass produce opening up the possibilities to reach a larger audience.

The Gutenberg bible also called the “42 line bible”was one of the first completed book by the “new” movable innovation by Gutenberg. Finished in 1455 it marked an important part of the printed communication techniques evolution as it was one of the very first printed in this new way of printing.

Newspaper was one of the next biggest things in the printing evolution as this enabled more and more people to read and access information. The Pennsylvania Gazette which was purchased by Benjamin Franklin quickly became one of the most popular and influential newspapers from this era. 

Transatlantic cables

The Transatlatic cables layed out the foundation for a more advanced communication as this electrical cable across the ocean opened up the possibilities to use electrical signals to communicate across the ocean between Europe and North America. Even though this was not a success direct with failed attempts of working cables this innovation made sure that a quicker and more efficient way of communication was possible. 

The transatlantic cable was made out of copper and iron wire and then insulated with Gutta-percha which was a sort of plastic material covering the wiring (PBS). This was the start of the possibility to connect across seas.

This map shows how the cable was layed out across the ocean floor and the position of the cables. The map shows where the transmitter and sender can receive the electrial pulses which was done by a telegraph.

The telegraph was a big part of the evolution of communication as this machine enabled us to communicate across a long distance. With the use of the transatlantic cables that were layed across the ocean this machine worked as a transmitter and sending device to receive information.

Samuel Morse, creator of morse code created a system where the code was connected to letters and numbers and by creating this system he allowed us to communicate in a easy matter across the atlantic ocean. This was also a key part in the continuation of communication across long distances.

The next part in the evolution of communication techniques was the visual communication where the communication comes through audio and video to communicate a message. This was something that grew a lot during the Vietnam as this was the first war that was televised and shown to the public. By people being given the chance to communicate to such a large audience and without having the struggles of needing to be able to read or write this changed the communication drastically as the endless opportunities of communicating was opened.

The television changed the way of communication as it enabled everyone who had access to a TV to get a change of being informed on what was going on in the world. Television opened the doors for today’s technology as it showed us how we can reach a much larger audience in a simple way.

Phones have been the latest in the evolution of communication as it gives us a constant accessibility to connect with people all over the world either over a phone call, text message or through social media. This innovation has completely changed the way of communication since we have everything that we need in this device.

Social media and applications such as Facebook has changed the way of communication even further as it has enabled us to share information and communicate to a large audience in seconds. The social media platforms has enabled us to stay connected to the world everywhere we go in the world. 

The printing era was the start of the evolution of communication and communication techniques as the creation of the Gutenberg printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1440. The creation of the printing press started the evolution as it served as the "founding" ground of the newly created printing technique with it's ability to mass-produce and ability to reach a larger audience.