Exploring Email's Evolution: A Day at the Design Museum
Even when you're a responsible, tax-paying adult, there's something delightfully mischievous about declaring a Friday a 'day off' and embarking on a jolly to London with a friend. Even if you are two Mailchimp Pro Partners off to geek out over a museum exhibition on email, it stillfeels like playing hooky.
On Friday 20th October 2023, the atmosphere in the Design Museum was buzzing. Packed with school kids, all hyped up and equally eager for a day out. Like typical teenagers, they seemed to derive more joy from running through the fountain outside than from the exhibition itself… but their playful antics added to the atmosphere.
The exhibition: Email is Dead
Running from 28th September to 22nd October 2023, the Email is Dead exhibition delved into the multifaceted role of email, extending beyond its conventional use as a communication tool. It looked at how email shapes our work lives, relationships, cultures, and economies, while pondering how it will continue to influence our future.
All delivered with true Mailchimp flair. Vibrant, imaginative, and downright fun. As you strolled through the exhibition, you even smelled Mailchimp's playful interpretation of email, Eau du email! A fragrant concoction of bergamot, geranium, sage, lavender, and sandalwood that playfully wafted through the air.
I couldn't help but chuckle at some of the quirky email-related facts. One that stood out was the infamous 'Scunthorpe Problem,' where email service providers, including AOL, accidentally blocked emails from residents of the English town of Scunthorpe. The issue arose because the town's name contained a sequence of letters that, when strung together formed a rather, let's say, unfortunate and eyebrow-raising word! Innocent residents found themselves unable to use their email addresses due to some over-eager automated content filtering.
There was also an amusing homage to Homer Simpson's. Believe it or not, the beloved and bumbling character from 'The Simpsons' used the email address chunkylover503@aol.com.
These may be frivolous facts, but they serve as a charming reminder that humour can sneak into the most unexpected corners of history.
And speaking of history, did you know that Gmail was launched on April 1, 2004? This seemingly innocuous announcement left many scratching their heads, thinking it was an April Fools' Day prank. But, as history has shown, Gmail was no joke; it went on to become one of the most popular email platforms globally, revolutionising the way we manage our inboxes.
Some quotable optimism
But I wasn't just a casual visitor. My contemplations on the future of email had earned their place as a prominent feature of the exhibition. There, on the wall, they (hopefully) sparked lively discussions about the future of communication. It was a surreal moment, a unique accolade that left me feeling both privileged and delighted.
Here they are in full, my wise words...
“In light of the escalating global emphasis on environmental responsibility, I believe that email providers will earnestly begin prioritizing sustainability. This means optimizing data centers and advocating for streamlined email practices. Users will be encouraged to reduce attachment sizes, adopt text-based emails, and manage subscriptions to minimize energy usage. This transformation will position email as a platform that not only enhances communication but also actively contributes to a more sustainable digital future.”
So, the next time you send an email, remember that it's not just a message; it's a part of a timeless and ever-evolving tradition that continues to shape our world.
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