A titan in the realm of photography, Edward Weston, left an indelible mark through his sharply defined, masterfully arranged images. His work heralded an era where quality took precedence, resonating with modern audiences in ways that grainy, unfocused images from the past cannot match.

The sphere of film also demonstrates this principle. Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane,” a film from 1941, continues to captivate audiences with its cutting-edge production values and compelling storytelling. The films from the late 1920s, however, lose their luster when placed in direct comparison due to their dated quality and aesthetics.
This concept holds true in literature as well. The thrilling narratives of a first-edition Ian Fleming novel grip readers today, while a text from the 1600s may not generate the same level of enthusiasm, largely due to changes in language and style over the centuries.
Pivoting to the world of digital design, websites born out of early platforms like Angelfire now feel clunky and outdated. Yet, a blog designed a decade ago, with its thoughtful layout and user-friendly interface, still holds its charm and relevance, successfully engaging with contemporary audiences.
These examples serve to highlight one core principle: Quality matters.
It is the dividing line between enduring and ephemeral, between timeless appeal and transient interest. When a medium achieves a specific quality level, or ‘resolution’, further improvements, while beneficial, don’t radically enhance the consumer’s experience. Once this principle is understood and adopted industry-wide, the fervor for constant improvement in quality tends to stabilize. However, identifying that precise moment of ‘optimal quality’ is often a task only possible with the clarity of hindsight.
As we stand at the intersection of all current and future media, we are uniquely positioned. We’re not just witnessing but actively shaping new content that is striving towards, if not already meeting, that threshold of optimal quality. This progression has implications far beyond just aesthetic or technical considerations. It will establish new standards for visual interaction and cultural expression, thereby setting the stage for media consumption and appreciation for generations to come.
Quality, it turns out, is a commitment. It is the compass guiding us through the sea of media development, pointing the way to enduring relevance and appeal. Resolution and light quality matter, and as pioneers in this field, it is our responsibility to uphold this standard and continue to redefine it for the future.
George Kroustallis // Minorstep