Concept: Transient Memory Defined

Concept: Transient Memory

What is it?

The impermanent existence of memory within a physical manifestation. It is similar to ‘sensory memory’ in cognitive psychology where the memory only exists momentarily unless it is transferred into working memory.

A transient event is a short-lived burst of energy in a system caused by a sudden change of state.

Where does it exist?

It exists where an object is an instrument for memory transmission. It is slowly disappearing as technology improves due to the improvement in means to capture memories which are created. This increases the durability of memories and reduces their susceptibility to degradation. Examples of transient memory instruments are televisions and pianos.

Why should it exist?

Because it conveys a sense of presence and closeness between participators. Where a memory is stored for later retrieval, it can be accessed at a later time and the presence of the memory creator is missing. It reduces the value of these memories as the observer does not have to make an effort to engage fully with the memory as it is accessible at any time. This can be tested.

Where a memory only exists momentarily, it creates a sense of presence and connection between two people. A user can ‘spark’ a memory in an artefact and share their intent immediately with another user. It is like having a dynamic memento of a person, and it can be wearable or not. There is a sense of secrecy and intimacy between two individuals.

Transient memory architecture.

Transient memory secrecy: the secret transmission of these memories: person to person.

Transient memory and mementoes

Memory itself is a ‘memento’ of a person, place or experience. Transient memory transmission attempts to emulate the sending of a memento of a person. The transience creates value and emulates the transient nature of real life person to person interaction.

The Big Idea

Transient memory here is a means of transmitting a ‘piece’ of a person. Whether this be a presence ‘signifier’ or creative or emotional manifestation. It connects two people separated by distance and creates a sense of presence and intimacy. The transience ensures secrecy and the physicality of the transmission can convey the idea of ‘reaching out’ or ‘touching’ another person. It’s disappearance after a while cements the importance of this connection.

Active/passive transmission

The transmissions do not have to be intentional; they could even be passive. Reverting to the concept of objects having an ‘agenda’, the objects could collect memories without the user being constantly aware of it (unobtrusively).

Active transmission would require intent for every transmission whilst passive wouldn’t.