Continuing his exploration of personal objects in the age of information overload, Manual Reader and Memory Device are two new devices by Ishac Bertran that address perception, personal data collection and memory.
As opposed to most screens where content flows within the viewport, the Manual Reader requires the user to physically move the display to reveal information. The device provides haptic feedback for each pixel move, increasing the perception on the length of the message and the pace at which it is being read. In doing so,the device aims to provide a more conscious way of consuming information, actively rather than passively.
The Memory Device reminisces back to a time when people used to tie a string around their fingers, or pin a piece of paper on their clothes, to help them remember. As opposed to what happens with our phones, the knot or the piece of paper don’t store any information, they are just triggers. Recording is a deliberate action, giving full control over what needs to be remembered and what doesn’t. Inspired by these artifacts Ishac built his own Memory Device. The device allows one to record and review moments, stored as simple time stamps and displayed as lines in a day time window. He used it to remember thoughts, conversations, and also patterns like lunch time or sunset time. Because everything is represented by a simple line, sometimes things are forgotten of what they are but nonetheless, the device is designed to help you remember, but also respects the right to forget.
↓ Most recently Ishac has produced a series of books containing his Google search entries for the past 6 years – like a diary he’s been writing, unconsciously. Whereas the book is not available for download, you can create your own Searches book by following these instructions.
See also Slow Games – physical video game with a very low frequency of interaction: one move a day – which is based on classic video games (Mario, Pong, etc) but with the feedback loop reduced to a frequency of a day. The games take a new perspective and the skills required to make progress are radically different, challenging our memory, capacity of observation and patience.
More on → Ishac Bertran
↑ Additional pictures of the prototypes and a work in progress of a portable version of this device here.
↑ Slow Games by Ishac Bertran
