A memory aid by any other name

A common misconception about the memory aid work is that we are building a device. Let me quash that now. What we are developing is a software application that transforms everyday communication devices (like cell phones, smartphones, PDAs, etc.) into memory aid solutions. We are not manufacturing a device.

Not that there's anything wrong with devices. However, the need for a separate device has been largely obviated by contemporary smartphones. Mobile phones in general are arguably today's main wearable technological companion. The ubiquity, portability, and convenience along with the rapidly increasing capability, customizability, and decreasing cost make these the preferred platform for everyday memory aids.

I've wondered why the work is mistaken for a physical device. Sure, it runs on a device and it would not surprise me if I've been imprecise with my words from time to time (and I probably have a recording of such gaffes :-). Perhaps the word "aid" connotes device (like "hearing aid"). I've also used the phrase "memory prosthesis," which also might imply a physical device. Or I can just blame the press since they tend to prefer pretty pictures of futuristic toys with blinking lights :-)

One of the important aspects of a successful memory aid is availability. Throughout my dissertation work, I recorded many conversations. Ironically, one of the reasons I missed recording some conversations was because I forgot to charge or carry the memory prosthesis (i.e., a prospective memory problem). But, I had my mobile phone with me nearly always. Adding another device to one's utility belt of portable gadgets along with the associated memory burden of remembering to charge it, carry it, etc. seems to be counterproductive towards the goal of improving memory. Hence, running software on your existing device is the way to go.

While I'm on the topic, I'll also mention that the memory aid is not a pill, liquid, or other late-night remedy. But, if you prefer to go that route, here's one I found. Note: I haven't tried the recipe below; if it works for you, drop me a line.

Take seven almonds and immerse them in a glass of water in the evening. Next morning, after removing the red skin, grind the almonds. Mix the ground almonds with a glass of milk and boil. When it has boiled, mix in a spoonful of ghee (clarified butter) and two spoonfuls of sugar. When it is lukewarm, drink it. Take this on an empty stomach in the morning and do not eat anything for the next two hours. Do this for 15 to 40 days.

- Indian home remedy for “weak memory”

Sunil on CNN

Sunil Vemuri (QTech's Co-founder) was recently profiled on CNN. The clip offers a sneak preview of the telephony based memory solution QTech is expecting to introduce into the market.

iRemember how it all started

Welcome. This blog is a forum for QTech to talk about some of our interests.

I'll start with a topic that I've spent some years working on: computer-based memory aids. I've been asked why I got involved in this area. In a sense, it is an offshoot from earlier work on organizational memory. The problem of helping organizations remember better has been studied for years. Sociologists have done fieldwork, MBAs have done case studies, research groups have built "groupware" prototype, companies have built products, etc. Many blog entries could be spent talking about each of these, why it's hard, etc. I'll fast forward to the connection with personal memory aids.

While reflecting on the various ways one might address the myriad of organizational memory problems and solutions, I became fascinated with the idea of improving the whole by improving the parts. Put another way, can some organizational memory problems be remedied by improving individuals' memories?

This in turn led me to some of the oft-cited personal memory aid work: Memex, ParcTab, Remembrance Agent, etc. Most technological approaches at that time had limitations: a non-trivial data entry requirement, storage limitations, etc. I wanted something that had lower data-entry barriers (i.e. talking vs. typing). At the time I started the iRemember project (a.k.a., "What Was I Thinking?"), some of the key technology enablers (e.g., speech recognition, speech-recognition-quality high-capacity digital recorders) were getting good enough for a research effort.

Fast forward again a few years, and I was recording my life and searching it like I Google search. The original hypothesis remains unanswered. For now, I'm partially satisfied that I remember how it all started.