Today, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the most powerful and versatile tools for elucidating the structures and dynamics of molecular, macromolecular, and supramolecular systems. It provides information on molecular and collective phenomena over large length scales and timescales and is particularly suited to handle noncrystalline materials. This report describes how developments in solid-state NMR were triggered by the possibilities that became available about 30 years ago by neutron scattering and synchrotron radiation. Close analogies between NMR spectroscopy and scattering are pointed out to emphasize that the two approaches nicely complement each other. Specific examples applying the new NMR techniques to amorphous polymers and supramolecular systems are described. The findings are related to the mechanical properties of polymers as well as specific functions such as photoconductivity and proton conductivity. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.