# Kindle Metaphor Crafts Rachel Walsh Creates a Model to Explain E-Readers to Charles Dickens By Meghan Young | Published 2011-05-14 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rachel-walsh References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2011/05/11/explaining-the-kindle-to-dickens/) & [rachelwalshillustration.tumblr](http://rachelwalshillustration.tumblr.com/) It is interesting to think about how past generations would grasp the advancement of technology, which is exactly what student Rachel Walsh had in mind when creating her e-reader metaphor. She took on the rather daunting task of explaining what the [Kindle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorsoft) was and how it worked to one of the world’s most renowned authors, the late Charles Dickens. Well, Rachel Walsh certainly went far beyond expectations when she created a rather literal prototype of the Kindle for a school project. The project got students to "explain something modern/internet based to someone who lived and died before 1900." Essentially, Rachel Walsh created twenty [mini replicas of real classic novels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/good-to-read), hollowed out slots in a traditional-sized hardcover book and placed them inside it. That is essentially what an e-reader is, a collection of books in one holder. A clever concept that was extremely well-executed, Rachel Walsh’s project submission definitely should earn her an A+. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/books) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **E-reader Metaphors:** As new technologies emerge, there will be a growing need for creative ways to explain these concepts to individuals who may not be familiar with them, which presents an opportunity for the creation of more e-reader metaphors. - **Historical Perspective Projects:** More educational projects and initiatives can be developed that challenge current and future generations to think about how past generations would comprehend modern technological advancements. - **Literary-inspired Prototypes:** There is potential for creating literary-inspired prototypes that can provide a tangible way for individuals to understand complex technological concepts. ### Who This Affects Most - **Education:** Educational institutions can incorporate more projects and initiatives that challenge students to think critically and creatively about how to explain complex technological concepts in innovative ways using historical perspectives. - **Technology:** The technology industry can benefit from developing more user-friendly products or prototypes that draw inspiration from literary works or other creative sources. - **Creative Arts:** The creative arts industry can use literary-inspired prototypes as a way to showcase the intersection of technology and art, while also providing a new way for individuals to engage with classic literature. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Writing-Friendly eReaders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-kindle-scribe.md) - [Writing-Friendly Full-Color eReaders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-kindle-scribe-colorsoft.md) - [Folded Page Readers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dualscreen-ereader.md) - [Pen-Enabled E-Readers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorsoft.md) - [Pastel-Colored eReaders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-amazon-kindle-paperwhite.md) - [Lively Literary Character Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-literature.md) - [Unique Book-Inspired Fans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-shaped-fans.md) - [Children-Friendly E-Readers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kindle-colorsoft-kids.md) - [Connected Smart Reading Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genie-board.md)