Decay as a metaphor for digital erasure
Summary
Research Questions
How can everyday digital users gain more control of their memories within the current context of technology? This was the overarching question I tried to answer through my research. In order to do that, I explored the subquestion: How might we understand digital memory erasure in relation to forgetting and decay?
Context: Human-computer Interaction research has a tendency to look at information overload as a problem of efficiency and productivity. But our memories owned by technology companies are capable of causing us distress and hinder our ability to intentionally forget and grieve.
Methods: Practice-based. Design experiments. Experimented with several approaches to visually decay digital memories.
Outcome: A three part online instructional guide for digital users to better control their virtual memories. It brings together the output of my theoretical research with visual practice. It uses a textual language of instruction with experimental visual illustrations ( across digital painting, photographic documentation, moving images and interaction design).
Additional info
Shyama V S
I am a medium-independent design researcher with expertise in visual thinking tools. I have a background in HCI research and communication design. I have professional experience working across healthcare, education and digital transformation for communities. I enjoy prototyping through 3D and code-based tools. As a collector of diverse skills, methods, and experiences, I am interested in ways to reduce the overwhelming number of open tabs in our heads.
