Limited Memory
What if you only have 9MB to archive your life?
Limited Memory is a thought-provoking design project that challenges the impermanence of memory in an era of seemingly infinite digital storage. By delving into the nature of memory degradation and questioning our dependence on digital archives, Limited Memory invites us to reevaluate our relationship with technology.
Project Background:
Our design challenge was to reinvent an ordinary object by reimagining its existing interactivity in a way that considers a larger scale beyond just the user. This project was developed over six days during the physical computing course at CIID with Aakash Dewan (India), Norris Hung (US), and Julian Jimsa (Costa Rica).
Design Opportunity
Memory degradation is an intrinsic aspect of human nature. Whenever we recount a story, we inevitably rely on the most recent version of events rather than an accurate representation of the original occurrence. Considering our increasing reliance on digital devices to safeguard our memories, what if these recorded moments also experienced degradation over time?
How did we get there?
Drawing inspiration from the physicality and limitations of old-time radios and cassette tapes, we sought to reimagine their functions to explore the nuanced dynamics between users and products. By 'reversing' the deterioration process found in cassette tapes, where the quality declines unless actively played, we aimed to provoke users into reflecting on their intention to capture and revisit their memories.
Memory degradation is represented through p5.js-generated reverberation mapped to a specific time period. As a memory remains unplayed, the recording becomes progressively muffled. LEDs embedded within the recording boxes symbolize core interactions and are connected to the base station via Bluetooth technology.
How does it work?
The recording device comprises a base station and three wireless recording boxes, each designed to capture distinct moments in life. Each recording box can store up to three minutes of audio recordings, which gradually degrade with the passage of time, manifesting as increased reverberation. The device's owners face the choice of refreshing their memories by playing the contents or relinquishing them to make room for new recordings. With a mere 9MB of available storage, Limited Memory challenges users to be deliberate in selecting which memories to preserve and which to let go.
Interactions
Capture
Memories are recorded by raising the lever, and the illuminated box signals that a memory has been stored.
Sustain
To restore degraded recordings, users can play them, and the light returns to full brightness after playback.
Degradation
Over time, the light inside the recording box dims, visually representing the degradation of the recordings.
Let Go
Existing recordings can be erased to create space for new memories by pressing the 'let go' button.
