Technologies of memory: Key issues and critical perspectives

Abstract

Past, present and emerging technologies of memory are important concerns for memory studies. What is remembered individually and collectively depends in part on technologies of memory and socio-technical practices, which are changing radically. We identify specific concerns about developments in digital memory capture, storage and retrieval. Decisions are being made now that may have far-reaching consequences. Systems are being designed based on models and metaphors in which human memory works much like the computer. We bring to this discussion a critical perspective from science and technology studies (STS) and a grounding in human—computer interaction (HCI) and computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW). We argue that, while these developments are significant for memory studies research, even more important is the need for memory studies to remind and inspire designers of what is possible and useful, and help expand the understanding of human memory on which these systems are based.

Digital curation beyond the “wild frontier”: a pragmatic approach

“…These practices are strikingly heterogeneous, engage diverse categories of stakeholders with varied needs and motives, occur in different situations, and elide regular categorization. While cultural practices of memory, forgetting, and the material and discursive presentation of self (McKemmish 1996) may not be unrelated to earlier forms of personal recordkeeping, they are shaped differently in the context of the proliferation of digital infrastructures and mediating tools such as virtual communities, online information services, and digital personal information devices, attracting significant interest among scholars engaged with questions of information management and use, archiving, and human-computer interaction (Marshall 2008a;Van House and Churchill 2008b;Marshall 2008b;Lee 2011;Whittaker 2011;van den Hoven et al 2012).…”

Awareness, Transience and Temporality: Design Opportunities from Rah Island

“…With memory space becoming cheaper and, in particular for SMS, the information occupying a relatively reduced amount, it may be tempting to store information on indefinitely [39]. What we can observe, on a fundamental level is that there are obvious differences between human memory and digital device memory [40]. This mismatch provides us with opportunities for rethinking how to design those systems with inspiration from both angles, particularly in regards to specifically designing, not only for persistence, but also for transience.…”

Collective remembering of organizations

“…Recently, the role of ICTs has been highlighted to have an important effect in shaping how memory is formed (Garde-Hanse et al, 2010;Van House & Churchill, 2008). According to Hoskins (2009a), the widespread diffusion of new digital media enable the production and consumption of media content, as well as the networked connection between individuals and institutions.…”