5 Principles of New Media

The Five Principles of New Media
Roger Gant IV


1. Numerical Representation
I think this first principle is the most important, because it states that all new media must be able to be represented in numerical form, which most often is in the form of code. Because of this, there is an almost infinite amount of permutations and computations that can take place and therefore change the nature of the artwork.
2. Modularity
This principle talks about how new media is usually made up out of a bunch of distinct, unique parts. These parts can be assembled into a larger body of work but they still maintain their independence. Manovich cites the Internet as a great example of the modularity of new media, as the Internet is billions of tiny pieces of data, linked together in a web of possibility.
3. Automation
Automation refers to the capabilities of a computer to perform processes that we as humans could not do in a reasonable amount of time. This employs algorithms that are used as filters, noise reduction, effects, and even the capability to turn 2D objects into 3D objects.
4. Variability
A new media object can be transformed into potentially infinite different renderings. Because new media is most basically numerical, a computer can create many different versions of an original work in virtually no time at all. This allows for greater variability in structure, color, or any other aspect of the object.
5. Transcoding
A new media object can be displayed in many different formats, be it digital or even analogue. This is the process of transcoding. Manovich also refers to transcoding as the interface between human and machine, society and artist. Because of the transcoding capabilities of new media, the possibilities resulting from any one singular work are tremendous.