| Summary |
The
Living Memory Box project defines a user-centered digital system
to support the collection, archival, and exploration of memories
about a child's life. Parents are constantly confronted by
moments they want to remember, but find it difficult to save and
annotate items for exploring at a later date. In an effort to find
a solution for an increasingly complex problem the research has
encompassed the completion of two user studies, investigation of
current archival methods, and analysis of relevant literature. This
work is reflected in the design of both the entire system and the
interactive interface prototype for the Living Memory Box.
Collection, organization, and annotation are areas where significant
problems occur for parents, according to qualitative ethnographic
interviews. Current capture and archival methods are cited as both
inadequate and unwieldy in most cases, and in particular for physical
artifacts (i.e. shoes, toys, artwork). Analog methods fall into
two main areas, open and closed, while computer-based systems straddle
both of these categories and can be considered combined. The design
of the Living Memory Box system is both a potential solution to
these parental problems, and an alternative approach to current
digital combined methods
In order to provide a unique solution, specific features of the
Living Memory Box have been detailed in direct response to these
findings. In particular: a consistent metadata architecture, a device
separate from the personal computer, a natural input system and
a way to link physical objects to the entire archive. These are
not revolutionary leaps in current technology, however they are
applied in a manner that will contribute directly to the usability
of the system.
All of these features have influenced both the physical form model
and the information and interaction design of the interface. The
physical form model of the centerpiece of the system, leverages
the metaphor of the box and reflects the importance of the family
memories that it holds. This centerpiece is constructed with clear
walls and a tilted touchscreen, that it is both useful and appealing
to the user. The information design is structured in order to provide
a level of detail that is helpful to the user, but is not burdensome
in the detail level of information requested. Additionally, while
many current combined systems assist in the organization of archives
through adding data to digital files; the interactive digital prototype
of this interface focuses primarily on the ability to capture and
annotate physical objects. There are no existing systems that support
this kind of collection and narrative creation, leading to the creation
of the Living Memory Box.
To determine the efficacy of the system as defined here, a focus
group with the physical and interface prototype is being planned.
We hope that users might agree with the theory that by collecting
artifacts in this manner could assist in the creation of more and
more varied family narratives. The Living Memory Box system is the
first iteration in the development of a system that can assist parents
in helping them to revisit the precious memories of their child's
life. |
| Committee
Members |
Dr.
Janet Murray (Chair), School of Literature, Communication and Culture
janet.murray@lcc.gatech.edu
Dr. Diane Gromala, School of Literature, Communication and Culture
diane.gromala@lcc.gatech.edu
Dr. Wendy Newstetter, Department of Biomedical Engineering
wnewstet@bme.gatech.edu
|
