ACCORDION CONCEPT
Typical of accordion books, unbound utilizes one continuous sheet of paper that is folded to create pages, while still retaining the capacity to freely expand and collapse the entire, original length of the paper. Most, if not all accordion books, utilize heavy stock paper that provides rigidity and allows the book to be presented in an expanded, upright position. It is also typical for the paper to be permanently bound to the book ends to maintain structural integrity. While these design strategies work well for printed books, it wouldn't function well as a notebook. The accordion concept, zig-zag folds, provides an opportunity for fluid and dynamic functionality in sketching, information gathering, sharing and collaborating that aren't currently being realized by traditional notebook forms.
INTENTION
The intention behind unbound was to maintain the base concept of the accordion fold, but instead of using heavy stock paper, lighter paper weights that are common to sketching and note taking would be utilized. Due to the creative process being unpredictably extensive, it would also be crucial for accordion paper to be temporarily affixed to the book ends. This way a different type or a new stream of paper could replace the used one while still maintaining the continual use of the original bookends.
As seen below, detachable light-weight paper is paramount to the accordion sketching experience found in unbound.
INSPIRATION : FREEDOM
I was originally inspired by the inherent, potential freedom and flexibility that could be realized by implementation of the accordion fold in the ideation process. There are multiple ways in which unbound accomplishes this freeing the mind to its creative intuition. As you can see above, thin paper at the right length, folded into the accordion form, enables the ability to sketch uninterrupted because there isn't an uneven discrepancy between sides, from the first page to the last page. Again compared to traditional sketchbooks/notebooks, the design of an accordion book eliminates any central binding hindrance, allowing you to utilize both sides as one uninterrupted page.
What also happens here is that since each page is essentially folded in half (when the book is closed), its transportability is greatly enhanced. Sketch your imagination in spaces that inspire you and inform your creative process. With unbound, you aren't restricted to a table or ideal conditions, like other large format sketch pads or other accordion sketchbooks (if they exist) would. Not only is it half the size but it also has a false magnetic binding. When the book is opened, the wooden book ends join on end to ensure the entire sketching surface is supported. Perfectly suitable on your nature walks or other spontaneous adventures, where the cloak of compactness is important in allowing you to engage in the experience.
Furthermore, you aren't required to "flip the page" on your idea. Thus, unbound was inspired by the maxim, "out of sight, out of mind" and consequently "in sight, in mind." The ability to physically see your past work (in its extended state) ensures an elevated level of creative coherence. Simply pull apart the magnetic binding and enjoy the liberties of the extended state. This possibility, like a scroll, allows you and collaborators/clients/interested parties to see, think and feel the entire progression of your idea as you continue to iterate. Not only can others see it, but as the accordion fold is stretched out, an opportunity is opened for them to partake in the creative process alongside you, simultaneously, on the same stream of paper. While it may seem, inconsequential, sharing the same piece of paper in developing an idea could be important because it enacts sharing behavior and activates a feeling of unification.
Don't forget, because the book ends are magnetic, that also mean that it will stick to any ferrous surface, including marker boards. Just another way you can easily present and share your ideation.
Also, the ability to utilize cheap replaceable paper shouldn't be overlooked in generating freedom. "Cheapness" removes a subconscious barrier that restricts the creative process. Sketching on expensive real estate undermines the creative process because we feel like we don't want to "waste" paper and we would prefer to save it for our best ideas. We feel our marks have to be of equal or greater value of the paper we use. In this a perfectionist behavior is created and results in sketches that are no longer creative, explorative or original. As Anne Lamott remarked in Bird by Bird:
"Perfectionism is a mean, frozen form of idealism, while messes are the artist's true friend. What people somehow forgot to mention when we were children was that we need to make messes in order to find out who we are and why we are here."
Getting messy, fleshing out bad ideas to get to the good ones, is inherent to creativity; To developing, designing, and finding meaning between unexpected elements. In order to do that, we need to feel like we have the freedom to "waste paper." For most of us that are financially restricted, it means cheap, replaceable paper.
MULTI-PURPOSE
While you could sketch on both sides of the accordion fold (magnetic binding ensures you can access either side), one side of the fold can be utilized as a folder for loose paper. It is common practice in design to utilize reference print material in ideation and with the accordion folds, allows you to incorporate print material with your ideation streams. Because every accordion page has a back fold, it will not only hold loose paper, but allow you to conveniently place reference and related material behind the appropriate sketches.
Lastly, unbound features a paper hold that not only acts to temporarily fasten paper on either book end, but is also a functioning ruler that can be utilized as a straight edge and/or combination square. The steel rulers stick in a magnetic channel on the outside surfaces of the bookend that pinches the paper in place. Because there are essentially eight different ways you can open an accordion book, a thin column of paper is exposed so you can mark the beginning of your project or projects.
