I wondered if the Memory Palace memorization technique could be challenging for some students. This led me to explore the potential of using an augmented reality (AR) experience in my XR Technologies class during my graduate program, incorporating the memory palace technique, as a more universally accessible approach to enhance information retention among students.
Daisy Ma, UX Research, UI Design, Contributed to AR Development
Taylor Gibson, 3D Artist
Collin Almario, AR Development
Snapchat's Lens Studio
Figma
Maze
AR UX Design and Development
You might have heard this technique first from Sherlock.
This is a memorization technique that has been used by by the ancient Greeks, memorization champions, scholars, etc. in the past.
For this example, let's try to memorize: flour, salt, and oil.
A familiar environment is one that you know well. This could be your home, route to work, classroom.
Place the image of the content in an obscure location. The more obscure, the stronger the memory.
Think about walking in that scene. As you do, the information will effortlessly come to mind.
We applied the functionality of Augmented Reality to the memory palace concept. This solution demonstrated that participants recalled the sequence of content and accuracy of content quicker than the control participants by 65%.
Before constructing our AR experience, our team outlined the user experience. Due to our limited coding and technical skills, we had to be mindful of our capabilities to bring this flow to life.
Parents can pick and purchase our lessons from our websites and view how the stickers work.
Upon purchase, parents will receive instructions, stickers, and a Snapcode on a printable file.
Your student will place the stickers on surfaces.
Scanning the snapcode will open up the filter on Snapchat.
Over a span of 2 weeks, we created the AR experience using Lens Studio.
Why did we use Lens Studio?
We went with Lens Studio because the class was catered to students unfamiliar with 3D modeling software. Lens Studio provided templates for building experiences and served as an excellent introduction to AR experimentation.
My groupmates and I wondered if our prototype could actually enhance memory.
Thus, we formed a hypothesis to test: we believe that the AR Memory Palace filter in Snapchat will help participants recall the sequence of content and accuracy of content quicker than other memorization techniques.
To assess the effectiveness of an AR Memory Palace experience in enhancing memory recall in adults.
To provide insights into the potential benefits and limitations of using AR technology for improving memory.
Observe whether the AR environment is an effective medium for an otherwise “manual” memory trick.
Observe any usability issues that users face to reach their goal.
As you saw, our Snapchat prototype was used to memorize the planets. However, participants might already know the planets!
The goal for preparing the testing props was to 1) remove any preconceived knowledge of content and 2) remove any classification that can be created within the content.
Participants might already have knowledge of planets. We considered having the participants remember groups like: fruits, sports, and instruments, but these were were groups of information that people could form associations with.
For our filter to work, users scan the stickers to trigger the AR effect. Our first sticker sheet featured peeking animals. While these creatures might not evoke strong associations for the user, they were challenging to cut out on printed paper.
Why did we design new stickers?
To remove any associations a user might have with our content.
Our first iteration of stickers aimed for simplicity, but we discovered that the filter did not pick up these solid shapes at all.
Testing whether the stickers would be able to distinguish between similar looking markers. We found that the more intricate detail the marker had, the more effective its recognition.
We discovered the few stickers that worked at sticker detection.
To eliminate any associations that users might assign, we utilized AI to generate mandalas for this test.
After extensive deliberation and refinement, we optimized the prototype to prevent users from assigning any specific classifications to it.
To measure if our hypothesis is correct, we set three success metrics.
Participants will be assessed on ability to list the correct permutation of items in the list, i.e., in the correct order.
Participants will be assessed on ability to recall the correct combination of items in the list.
Participants will be assessed on how long it takes for them to complete their recall.
Hypothesis: We believe that the AR Memory Palace filter in Snapchat will help participants recall the sequence of content and accuracy of content quicker than other memorization techniques.
Our hypothesis is true. Our experimental participants recalled the sequence of content and accuracy of content quicker than the control participants.
Hypothesis: We believe that the AR Memory Palace filter in Snapchat will help participants recall the sequence of content and accuracy of content quicker than other memorization techniques.
Our hypothesis is true. Our experimental participants recalled the sequence of content and accuracy of content quicker than the control participants.
Our experimental participants recalled the sequence of content 9% better than the control group.
Our experimental participants recalled the content accurately 17% better than the control group.
Our experimental participants recalled the content 65% quicker than the control group
Our group met together to discuss our learnings.
High-scoring participants in both groups added rhythm to the words.
High-scoring participants in both groups remembered better with repetition.
The experimental group used the filter multiple times and used all of the features did not like tapping the audio button each time.
We used a competitive landscape to analyze what other products were doing well and not so well.
We used a competitive landscape to analyze what other products were doing well and not so well.
Head to the museum of your choice
Take photos of pieces you want to study
Scan sculptural items with your smart device
Arrange digital assets around your room
Spend time interacting with the digital content, combining it with traditional study methods.
Imagine your memory palace during an exam.
The Memory Palace AR experience must offer greater ease and reward than simply printing out items one wishes to remember, to ensure its appeal and usefulness to users.
In order for users to invest their time, money, and patience in using our app, the user experience and rewards must outweigh these costs.
For new users, it is crucial to ensure that the experience is easily accessible, allowing them to seamlessly immerse themselves in the Memory Palace AR experience.
I'm currently open to join a company where I can blend design and marketing. Looking for my resume? Have a project? Let's do it!
let's do it
