The Alphabet Machine enables viewers to see and hear the rhythm and pentameter of text. In this physical visualization, wooden type blocks (from a printing press) move up and down as digital text is processed through the device. The Alphabet Machine reads Gutenberg's 36-line Bible. When played through the device a unique relationship between the patterns in the text and the movement, rhythm, and sounds of the device is revealed. Additionally, the Alphabet Machine is intended to make views aware of the relationship between digital text and the loss of texture in digital communication.

Digital text is the primary vehicle for communication in the 21st century. Whether it comes in the form of email or hypertext, digital information has no physical presence. This is an obvious departure from print based communication, which not so long ago was our primary communication vehicle. The Alphabet Machine attempts to recover this loss of physicality by bringing form, texture, rhythm, and movement to digital information.

Wooden blocks from a printing press are used to reference print based communication. The wooden type blocks have a history, you can see they were handled and used. These artifacts are arranged in a qwerty layout referencing a keyboard. This arrangement connotes how digital letters are input. When on display visitors can see Gutenberg's 36-line Bible being read by the device. In the past the device has also listened to char rooms and has read email to visitors.

Special thanks to Daniel Shiffman for inspiration, support, photography, and technical expertise. Additional thanks to everyone in the Programming A-Z (SP06) class for your feedback and critique throughout the creative process.

The Alphabet Machine has been exhibited at the ITP Spring Show, the Bushwick Art Project (BAP) Lab, and at the Material Connexion's Interactive Youth exhibition.