Project Proposal (Interim)

Final Project Proposal: Siobhan McKenzie

“Memory: Here today, gone… today”

1. Introduction
This project is about transient memory and objects. These are memories which are not stored permanently in objects, but are transmitted and observed for short periods of time. This concept of ‘transient memory’ can create engaging user experiences, and a sense of user presence and value within memory transmission.
This project began with an academic investigation into the history of and recent developments within memory theory. Published books and papers were referred to and I conducted a 60 minute interview with a leading psychologist who specialised in memory and objects. Following on from this, key themes and concepts were explored i.e. the concept of ‘schema theory’. After this was an investigation into what memories are currently being collected, how this can be changed or subverted and reinterpreted. The original brief was ‘noticing the unnoticed’, which manifested itself as an investigation into what types of data is currently being collected i.e. GPS location tracking in a smartphone as well as how it was being represented. Objects were then personified and given ‘agendas’ which were subverted by being forced to collecting different data in different ways or given different intentions altogether. This developed into an investigation of noticing the unnoticed memories that different people have of objects i.e. an object can hold significance for a person that it does not for another. The concept of ‘form’ came up quite early, and how it relates to the storage of memory.
The project was then lead by four guiding principles:

1. Objects storing memories
a. Memories actually stored physically in objects
b. Memories the observer projects onto objects (intangible and invisible)
2. Memories created by objects
3. Objects subverting memories
4. Objects reinterpreting memories

Positive and negative memories were explored, as was the degradation or destruction of memory and the links between form and memory itself. The ways that objects can store memories which are ‘hidden’ from others was developed. The concept of ‘transient memory’ emerged in this exploration and a video was created to explore it further. ‘Transient memory’ is the momentary creation and disappearance of memory in objects. The absence of an object connected to memory can be as powerful as its presence. With the massive capacity that modern technology affords, people have the ability to keep every photo they’ve ever taken or access any information they have ever made. With transient memory, memories shared are not ‘kept’. This can create a sense of presence and well as making the memory more valuable; if it is only momentary the observer may value it more. Presence is created by the transmissions immediacy: it is not available for viewing later.
Transient memory can bring together many of the key concepts identified earlier on in the project. A transient artefact can store memories as well as create new ones, and can reinterpret memories in an enriching way. This project will strive to remain consistent with my personal manifesto and create a valuable user experience with a fully investigated user group and context of use.

2. Literature Review
Schema theory, top-down processing, affordances and constraints, false memory, group psychology
3. What

Transient memories can be transferred between two or more multi-modal partner devices. The devices would have the ability to transmit multiple types of memories, for example mood and messages. The two devices will be standalone and will not need to be connected to a computer to function. Haptic and wearable interfaces are an option, depending on the needs of the user group. Multiple input methods will be available within various devices.
Devices may be able to connect to a larger ‘pool’ of experience: experience feeds can be tapped into from different people, which would be very relevant for example if the device was used to transmit artistic work for inspirational purposes. There could also be the option to view everything through a filter, which would be done on a desktop. However, the detachment of the devices from a desktop environment may be more appropriate.

4. How
Arduino and the python programming language will be used for the internal build. The devices will be connected wirelessly over an internet connection; built into the device. The design of the device will be executed via a user-centred approach throughout, with prototypes and ideas being tested by a representation of the user group. The system will involve multiple inputs and multiple outputs, which will be developed separately to a working stage, then integrated with the main project. The interface will be designed for simplicity and ease of use, so will be as user-friendly as possible.

Resources for implementation
http://mbed.org/cookbook/Homepage
http://arduino.cc/playground/Interfacing/GoBetwino
Igoe, Tom: Making things talk 629.895 IGO
101 spy gadgets for the evil genius / Brad Graham, Kathy McGowan. 621.38928 GRA

Arduino Cookbook