MARQETA
For Marqeta, I created a humorous pop-up “Museum of Payment Artifacts” that displayed a timeline of historical currencies, from sand dollars and shells to checkbooks and credit cards.
By presenting these objects like museum pieces, the installation made a simple point: what we think of as modern payment methods are already becoming relics. The immersive experience positioned Marqeta as the company building what comes next.
THE ARTIFACTS
Below is the copy for each artifact’s placard/object label:
Abacus
The preferred calculator of ancient merchants, this counting frame is great for figuring out a fair tip amount at your favorite restaurant—if there’s enough room on the table for it.
Knotted string
This accounting apparatus was ideal for monitoring tax obligations in the year 2000… B.C., that is.
These days, most accountants have moved on.
Photo print
Predating the central bank, a printed certificate of funds might have held some value, but its worth was never guaranteed. Unfortunately, “I promise it’s worth something” doesn’t pay the rent.
Ledger & quill
While a feathered pen may give you an air of sophistication as you record your recent statements, tracking accounts shouldn’t cause carpal tunnel, now should it?
Colonial money
This paper money of early settlers proved not much more valuable than an I.O.U. scribbled on a cocktail napkin, which subsequently “coined” the term “not worth a Continental.”
Gold bars
The U.S. abandoned the gold standard in the 70s, but if you have the will (and literally deep pockets) you could still carry these weighty bricks to the bank—or hoard them in your bomb shelter.
Wampum bead strands
These tubular shell beads used to serve as a medium of exchange by Native Americans for goods such as maize, though presenting even the shiniest beads at your favorite grocery store will only grant you some confused looks instead of deals on corn.
A RECENT PAST
Rotary phone & Beeper
Responding to a page by shouldering a phone and vigorously jotting down notes served as great imagery for movies, but when you’re trying to buy your latest concert ticket that just went on sale the process is far less glamorous.
CC Imprinter
A physical carbon copy of your actual credit card, personally handled by a total stranger. What could go wrong?
Business check
If your business partner is still cutting you physical business checks, it may be time to hop back into your time machine to join the current era. In an era of instant transfers, a paper check just seems ready to bounce.
Coins
A pocket full of these and everyone will hear you coming. But who wants to carry all that extra weight?
Credit Card
With little to no progress or improvement to this payment method since its introduction in the 1950s, especially in the last decade, it’s safe to say that you can now leave home without it.
Personal checkbooks
Pocketbook? Check. Ink pen? Check. Balance book? Check. Checks? Check. Convenience? Uhhhhh.
Large wallet with receipts
Keep all your finances in one overstuffed volume! Test the strength of your pants’ fabric and stretch your back pocket to the brink! And when you have some down time, take a trip down memory lane as you clean out every receipt and punch card you’ve accumulated over the last decade.
