The Story Behind Facebook: An Unexpected Journey of Creativity and Culture
Facebook stands as a titan in the realm of digital media, a far cry from its humble beginnings. The platform that now captivates billions of users was not originally conceived as a company. Instead, it began as a vibrant social experiment, a vision of connection among friends. But there’s a fascinating backstory to this conglomerate that often gets overlooked.
Welcome to the Analog Research Laboratory
In the heart of Facebook’s Menlo Park headquarters, a unique initiative blossomed in early 2012: the Analog Research Laboratory. Co-founded by graphic designer Ben Barry and his counterpart Everett Katigbak, this innovative space blended the world of traditional printing with the fast-paced digital landscape of Silicon Valley. Barry, a passionate silkscreen printer, welcomed Facebook employees into his ink-smudged sanctuary, where creativity flourished through the art of printing.
Among the many artifacts produced in this lab was a remarkable little book, inspired by Marshall McLuhan’s The Medium is the Massage. This book was designed to encapsulate Facebook’s essence—its culture, philosophies, and values. Initially, it served as an internal gift, shared with new employees, and even years later, it remains a significant piece of Facebook’s narrative.
Rediscovering a Hidden Gem
After years of forgetting its existence, I stumbled across my copy of this book recently. As if the universe conspired to remind me, I received an email from Ben Barry himself. This serendipitous moment propelled me to delve deeper into the story behind the Analog Research Laboratory, its creative endeavors, and the impact it had on Facebook’s culture.
Bridging the Gap: Vintage Meets Digital
“Was it love at first byte?” I asked Barry, recalling the fusion of vintage technology and the digital age. His answer revealed that this passion was never embedded in his job description but grew organically from a shared love for printing and Facebook’s elusive “hacker” culture. The Analog Lab became a space where employees could explore their creativity, producing unique posters that captured the spirit of the company.
As more employees visited the lab, they began to propose ideas for new posters, and Barry’s response was simple: they could create them! This hands-on approach empowered everyone, transforming the workplace into a creative hub where art met innovation.
A Love for Screenprinting
Barry’s journey into screenprinting ignited during his college years at an internship with The Decoder Ring. With each workshop he held at Facebook, the art of screenprinting blossomed, connecting past traditions to a modern audience. You can explore his deeper stories in this podcast interview.
A Bittersweet Closure
Despite its creative vibrancy, the Analog Lab faced an uncertain future. After Barry’s departure from Facebook in January 2014, the lab continued under Scott Boms until its closure around 2023 or 2024. The question remains: what led to the lab’s end? Barry admits uncertainty in understanding the reasons behind this decision. However, the ethos fostered during its existence remains impactful.
The Ethos of Connection
Facebook was driven by a mission to make the world more open and connected, aiming to give everyone a voice. This “hacker” culture encouraged rapid prototyping and learning from failure, a spirit that still resonates today.
Iconic Creations of the Analog Lab
Among the Lab’s iconic creations were the simple red type posters, designed to elevate internal slogans like “Move Fast & Break Things.” These pieces became symbols of empowerment and artistic expression, aiming to challenge authority and encourage risk-taking among employees. While the slogan’s meaning was often misinterpreted, its intention was clear: to embrace the failures inherent in innovation.
Defining a Growing Media Company
The book produced through the Analog Lab wasn’t solely an internal handbook; it was a beacon of company culture, capturing vital cultural moments at Facebook. Barry and his team meticulously put it together as a means to help new employees understand the ethos of their workplace. It served as a history lesson and a value statement, and provided a glimpse into the company’s vibrant culture.
Printed on the day of Facebook’s IPO, the book quickly became a staple for new hires, facilitating a sense of belonging and understanding within the company. The design and format drew inspiration from influential works like McLuhan’s, unintentionally evoking the spirit of Mao’s Little Red Book. Yet, it was loved for its authenticity, a rare quality in corporate communications.
Reflections and Future Imprints
In a world where social media culture dramatically shifts perceptions, Barry feels a sense of pride in the Analog Lab’s legacy. He states, “It resonates because it feels authentic in a way few companies rarely have the courage to communicate.” As social media discovers the book anew every few years, it continues to provoke conversations about creativity within corporate structures.
For Barry, the decision to leave Facebook stemmed from frustrations with internal politics and the evolving direction of the company’s marketing. However, the creative spark ignited within the Analog Lab lives on, reminding us all of the intersection between creativity and corporate culture. For more insights into Barry’s departure from Facebook, check out this interview.
