I remember when the third dimension became a big thing in the 80s. I even had a colouring book that needed to wear the 3D glasses to be able to see the lines correctly and then be able to colour in a dinosaur or a tree. Who knew the lengths that illusive third dimension ‘depth’ would take.

Now we have 3D films on IMAX and 3D TV making its way into our living rooms, well at least for those who love the World Cup and didn’t upgrade to a plasma last time the soccer sensation gripped the world. 3D movies have been improving, with the recent success of Avatar as an indicator we are probably going to be expecting even further developments in this media. Action movies and sports events are going to be wild, I personally am looking forward to one of the future Olympics being filmed and screened in 3D.

So in a world of increasing fascination with new tech, what does the future hold for designers of 2D? Many of the designers that we speak with are passionate about their designs and many are equally as passionate about tactile nature of print. Being able to see their work printed as a brochure, a banner or consumer packaging (until we have to wear 3D glasses so that the brands jump out at us, I’m calling it as 2D).

The same questions come around every time a new product or tech mechanism hits the consumer market. Will the internet make newspapers obsolete? Will television kill radio? Will iPods completely replace minidisk players? (There are going to be some casualties).

The ways in which we are exposed to design is becoming more sophisticated. The traditional avenues that we interact with design are expanding and diversifying as well. The nostalgia we hold for print doesn’t seem to be waning, if anything only growing stronger as other forms of design compete for our attention.

3D got you gripping the edge of your seat? Want to share your thoughts with the world? Then email here in boring old 2D fashion and we'll see what we can do.