Design Research + Prototyping + Contextual Inquiry
The Memory Vending Machine
Exploring Meaningful Interactions with Personal Photo Archives
DURATION:
January - August 2024
SKILLS:
Laser Cutting, 3D modelling, Arduino, ReactNative, Qualitative Interview, Opportunity identification
SUPERVISORS:
Masa Inakage(Keio Media Design, Japan)
Andreas Lindegren(KTH, Sweden)
ABSTRACT:
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This research focuses on personal photo archives, one of the fastest-growing forms of digital media in terms of size. This paper consists of two parts–the first is an investigation of current practices and behaviours related to the creation and management of personal digital photo archives, while also identifying how individuals attribute ’meaning’ and significance to both digital and physical mementos. The second part of this paper leverages this understanding and describes the design, deployment, and evaluation of the Memory Vending Machine—a digital provocation that presents a new way of interacting with photos in our galleries. The machine acted as a channel for participants to connect with individual photos from their galleries in a more conscious and meaningful manner. It presented an alternative form of interaction with photo archives and provoked reflection on the emotional value of photographs. The Memory Vending Machine disrupted conventional photo-browsing experiences, prompting participants to reconsider their relationship with their digital archives. This paper contributes to the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) by highlighting the potential of interactive technology to foster mindful, reflective interactions with personal digital artefacts, encouraging deeper emotional engagement and reflection on memory.
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