Proposal for Memory Master Integration Project Memorandum
Date: To: From: Subject:
09 April 2005 Dr. Gellenbeck Union Palenshus Proposal for “Memory Master” integration project
The average human has vast untapped potential for memory improvement. Our capacity for remembering things has proved to be virtually unlimited, but the problem lies in the way we try and go about memorizing things. Our brain just wasn’t built for straight linear memorization; we aren’t computers -- although there are savants who seem to be an exception! There are numerous techniques available for memory improvement, and many of them are actually fairly straightforward and easy (even fun?) to learn. A software program would be an ideal interface for conveying those techniques to users, as well as giving them an easy way to practice with them. I will implement at least two systems. The first, the Link system, is probably the simplest of the techniques, yet still very useful. The second, the Phonetic system, is considered one of the most powerful of the general-purpose mnemonic techniques. It can be used for memorizing long strings of numbers, lists of words, or even a deck of cards. I will fake implementation of the Loci system (location based memorization), and the Peg system, which is basically a less-powerful version of the phonetic system. I may make reference to a note-taking technique knows as a mind-map if I feel I’ve learned enough about it by then. This program will be targeted at users like myself, the only demographic I’m really fit to design for. In other words, for reasonably competent computer users who are intelligent enough to not require excessive simplification. Some of the tasks users will be able to perform are: View a tutorial of sorts, summarizing the various techniques, along with some history perhaps, and the methods used for each. Learn the Link system, or, how to link objects together to form a memorable list o Practice by linking strings of words together from a database
Learn the Phonetic system, which uses phonetic sounds in place of numbers. This will consist of: o Learning the words that associate with specific numbers o Or, allow them to make up their own, and store them in the database o Practice using the phonetic system in combination with the link system to memorize lists of data Specifically, by memorizing a lengthy number, or Memorizing a deck of cards, which will require Memorizing a phonetic-equivalent word for each card
This will be a much more involved application than any I’ve designed so far, so there will of course be difficulties. One difficult area will be the phonetic practice using card memorization. I’m thinking that I’ll try and scan a deck of cards, and use the images in the program. Another problem may be that the interface may be to textual, since most of the subject-matter I’m dealing with is either words or numbers. A possible way to get around this is to use pictures instead of words, and force the user to improvise their own words, or visualizations. All in all, I’m excited to get to work on this project, I’m obviously very interested in the subject, and I think it’s an area where a good piece of software could be very useful!