Retro-futurism

Creates an older imagined future with rounded machines shining surfaces and cosmic signs.

Visual traits

• streamlines
• shine
• cosmic signs

Expected changes

• Machines and buildings are more likely to become rounded
• Shine and cosmic signs are more likely to appear

Definition

It depicts imagined futures from the past through streamlines shine and cosmic signs. It does not specify a particular decade technology work or story.

In more detail

It uses rounded machines shining surfaces and simple cosmic signs to create an older imagined future. Subject and composition remain separate choices.

Includes

• Visual treatment using forms and shine evocative of earlier imagined futures

Excludes

• A particular decade or technology
• A particular work or person
• A real space program

What this does not imply

• A particular decade or work
• Real technical specifications
• A real space program

Variability

Because the evidence is a general media source, the period character of imagined futures may vary.

Usage

• Coordinate streamlines with cosmic signs
• Specify subject and scene separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify named decades technologies and works separately

Typical uses

• Add an older imagined-future impression
• Shape mechanical or spatial atmosphere while retaining the subject

Possible failure modes

• Excess decoration makes the future mood diffuse
• Modern technical imagery mixes in