MeModules (2006-2008) as tangible shortcuts to multimedia information

Description

Tangible interfaces can be useful to establish links between our memory and information. We call them "MEMODULES". They roost abstract information in the real world through tangible shortcuts. MEMODULES are tiny tagged physical objects containing a link towards information sources that can be further accessed by several devices. We consider them as tangible hypermarks, i.e. embedded hyperlinks to abstract information attached to everyday physical objects. MEMODULES not only materialize information in the real world through tangible reminders, they also help controlling daily life devices. This project aims at designing, implementing and evaluating MEMODULES facilitating (a) information access and categorization and also (b) the control of everyday devices.

Project specification

• Omar Abou Khaled, Denis Lalanne, Rolf Ingold, "MEMODULES as tangible shortcuts to multimedia information", Project specification, June 2005 [pdf]".

Motivations

• Help manage personal daily life information
• Decrease information overload
• Increase attention, control and memory
• Support well-being (e.g. reducing stress)
• Empower browsing skills on large multimedia archives

Applications

• Domestic environment with elderly people (with early memory loss or attention difficulties),
• Business meeting and working environment for busy business people, etc.
• And other applications (libraries, museums, etc.) and users (kids, teenagers, etc.)