I have investigated several design cases related to memory.

One speculative design project is the "Memory Donation Center." The designer discusses the relationship between experiences and personal identity, suggesting that if memories could be transplanted, it might compensate for "unexperienced gaps." In this future scenario, people can donate memories of happy childhoods, and others can simulate and retrieve these memories by scanning tokens, triggering a series of sensory stimuli that recreate the donated memories. A crucial part of the experience is creating a space for users to reflect on and immerse themselves in their memories, fostering profound insights into self-awareness.

This project touches upon the question of "what makes us who we are?" and delves into the relationship between experiences, knowledge, and identity. Different philosophers, such as John Locke, emphasize the importance of memory in personal identity, while Joseph Butler leans toward a more comprehensive understanding by integrating memory with other factors.

This led me to consider the impact on memory for individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), where different personalities may possess entirely different identities. Research indicates that these individuals may experience issues with their autobiographical memory, subject to the influence of constructive memory. Different personality states may reshape or reconstruct memories to align with their varying self-concepts and emotional needs. Psychologist Elizabeth Loftus defines constructive memory as the process by which individuals may add, alter, or create new details when recalling events, emphasizing the influence of beliefs, emotions, expectations, and external influences on individual memory.

These studies collectively demonstrate the subjectivity of memory, prompting me to contemplate how design can aid people in comprehensive memory recall for self-understanding.

The "Future of Human Memory" envisions forms of storing and retrieving memories 50 years from now, utilizing technologies such as brain-computer interfaces, augmented reality (AR), holographic projection, and more. It can be used for personal recollection or sharing with others, with the idea that sharing memories enhances empathy. The goal is not merely to replicate memories but to facilitate a deeper understanding.

Other design concepts include "Lifelogging," imagining a tool for comprehensive life recording and self-quantification, and "Total Recall," a device that fully quantifies one's self by recording all experiences, emotions, emails, messages, and more, aiming to represent an absolutely authentic self.

"Inside-out" is a wearable device that detects mood and helps users review emotional peaks and valleys at the end of each day. Research suggests that understanding one's emotions can be beneficial in preventing depression.

After exploring these designs, I noticed a trend toward envisioning comprehensive self-recording. However, there remains a gap in designs related to emotions and identity. I am interested in exploring not only the fluid impact of emotions but also their connection to personality and identity, such as optimism, confidence, extroversion, and how they influence memory.