Family #1
Test period: 10 November 2019 – 16 November 2019
Number of family members in household: 3
Age of youngest family member: 26
Age of the oldest family member: 62
Location you placed the Memory Catcher: Living room, beside the TV
Tree (visual)
1. What are the objects that are hanged on tree and why? Who contributed to which object?
Photographs from holidays and cherished family moments. Mum chose the photographs she loves. Collectively, we created the marbling tags to paste the photo stickers on. In the end, we each wrote a wish in a bottle.
2. Are the message bottles and tags provided useful?
Would you prefer if something else was provided instead? Yes, it gives users an idea on what they could hang. Over time, they can start to be creative and explore other objects to hang.
Sound recorder (audio)
3. What did you record in the 10-second recording and why?
It’s a Small World (Cantonese version). There is a meaningful lyric in this version that reminds us to smile more (Mum).
Scent holder (smell)
4. What scent did you place in the test tube and why?
Lemon citrus essential oil. More refreshing scent.
5. In future, I would be exploring creating a guide for families to DIY their own essential oil. Would that be of interest to you?
Yes, it would be 100% natural and chemical-free. Can be a meaningful bonding activity together.
Overall feedback
6. Which function of the Memory Catcher was most useful?
The tree is the most useful part as we can continuously update it with future family photos from holidays and gatherings.
7. Are there any functions that you didn’t find particularly useful?
The scent holder might need to be bigger with reed sticks to diffuse the smell better (Mum). Recording time of audio could be extended to input music for family to enjoy (Dad).
8. Are there any functions you wish the Memory Catcher had but didn’t?
Maybe can add some lighting effects. Could be use as a night light (Dad).
9. Is the size of the Memory Catcher suitable?
Yes, maybe can be slightly shorter so it’s more stable (Mum).
10. Do you like the design outlook for the Memory Catcher? Any comments or suggestions?
Overall, it adds to the home environment. It’s a gentle reminder of what is important to our family (Mum).
Family #2
Test period: 11 November 2019 – 15 November 2019
Number of family members in household: 8
Age of youngest family member: 16
Age of the oldest family member: 77
Location you placed the Memory Catcher: On the piano or on the dining table
Interview by eldest daughter
1. After simply listening to the intro of the project what do you think you’ll hang?
Mum: Hang achievements – ornaments that represent achievements like mortar board.
Sister: Hang feelings by writing notes in a bottle. It’s not useless but it’s weird doing it together. Cause I do not really want to spend time hanging stuff on a tree and I don’t think that people like (my first brother) will spend time on this tree either.
Mum: It looks like a table centrepiece. Feasible project but not necessarily must do together as a whole family where you can do it on your own at your own timing also.
Sister: Yeah less weird if do on our own at our own timing.
2. Any suggestions?
Mum: Multiple recordings for the day would be good. I want to keep the recordings. And then what happens when it’s full?
3. What do you think of this project?
Dad: It’s a very good initiative. Involves interactivity which requires family members to physically carry out certain activities as opposed to using apps on their phones. The design is unique as it has a recording function and scented feature. Portable, easy to install. Would match general decor of the house.
4. Do you see yourself trying this out on your own?
Dad: I’ve never seen this before so I would try.
5. What objects can you imagine hanging on the tree?
Dad: Fond memories – notes written on post its or could be memorabilia – souvenirs obtained from family gatherings or outings or holidays.
6. Any other feedback?
Dad: After hanging the stuff, tree is not steady. Activity is simple and can be done together. The tree has a unique design so it will attract the attention of the family members. That in itself will spark conversation. Simple activities like recording or writing your fond memories on certain articles or objects will be triggered. Thus, completing the task at hand.
Family #3
Test period: 11 November 2019 – 17 November 2019
Number of family members in household: 5
Age of youngest family member: 19
Age of oldest family member: 58
Location you placed the Memory Catcher: Living room, on top of the piano
Tree (visual)
1. What are the objects that are hanged on tree and why? Who contributed to which object?
Messages, photos, wood blocks, New year resolution in each small glass bottle. Daughter contributed to the birthday and zodiac due to love for design and art. Son hanged a keychain that was given by his parents as a lucky charm when he was younger. Everyone else wrote their own wishes and resolution.
2. Are the message bottles and tags provided useful? Would you prefer if something else was provided instead?
Yes, it is very aesthetically pleasing to the environment.
Suggestion: More colourful objects, maybe the tags can be shaped differently (like a leaf or heart). Maybe bigger tags as the elder may find it difficult to write on a small tag. Sound recorder (audio)
3. What did you record in the 10-second recording and why?
“I love you” to my family (Son).
Scent holder (smell)
4. What scent did you place in the test tube and why?
I chose lavender because it’s my mom’s favourite scent (Son).
5. In future, I would be exploring creating a guide for families to DIY their own essential oil. Would that be of interest to you?
Yes, we enjoy DIY projects.
Overall feedback
6. Which function of the Memory Catcher was most useful?
The wooden blocks. It’s cute to write your wishes and everyone in the family can see it.
7. Are there any functions that you didn’t find particularly useful?
The 10s recording was not very useful, we didn’t really know what to record.
8. Are there any functions you wish the Memory Catcher had but didn’t?
Fairy lights that can change colour for the mood.
9. Is the size of the Memory Catcher suitable?
Yes. maybe can have different sizes for different families as some may have a larger family.
10. Do you like the design outlook for the Memory Catcher? Any comments or suggestions?
A section to write our family name on the front so it’s more personal.
Family #4
Test period: 9 November 2019 – 17 November 2019
Number of family members in household: 3
Age of youngest family member: 23
Age of oldest family member: 59
Location you placed the Memory Catcher: Living room, on a table
Tree (visual)
1. What are the objects that are hanged on tree and why? Who contributed to which object?
Origami. I taught my parents how to make them to! Artefacts with memories inside the message bottles.
2. Are the message bottles and tags provided useful?
Would you prefer if something else was provided instead? Yes. Maybe could provide some crafts papers and some coloured markers. I would like to paint the tree on my own as well.
Sound recorder (audio)
3. What did you record in the 10-second recording and why?
I recorded one of my family’s favourite song!
Scent holder (smell)
4. What scent did you place in the test tube and why?
Mum’s spices from cooking. I love my mum’s cooking!
5. In future, I would be exploring creating a guide for families to DIY their own essential oil. Would that be of interest to you?
Yes. That’s interesting.
Overall feedback
6. Which function of the Memory Catcher was most useful? The branches because it can be used to display my objects.
7. Are there any functions that you didn’t find particularly useful?
The scent one is not as practical as I need to replace continuously.
8. Are there any functions you wish the Memory Catcher had but didn’t?
Maybe can play with sense of touch. Add tactile things to tree e.g. imprint hands, add fingerprints.
9. Is the size of the Memory Catcher suitable?
Yes. It’s a nice size.
10. Do you like the design outlook for the Memory Catcher? Any comments or suggestions?
Yes, but the current prototype is a bit fragile, so work on strengthening the structure.