Moments is a mobile digital memory preservation tool built on 3D scanning technology. The project takes objects as carriers of memory as its central premise, reimagining 3D technology not merely as a functional tool but as an emotional medium. In response to the challenges of memory preservation and family connection within an aging society, Moments explores how personal belongings can be meaningfully archived and revisited in the digital age.
The project was developed by a team of three Brown University Design Engineering students and encompasses user research, concept development, product and interaction design, as well as an app launch proposal. Guided by human-centered design principles, Moments investigates the potential of 3D technology in supporting emotional memory and social care.
In everyday life, photographs and videos are effective at capturing visual moments, yet they often fail to retain the emotional weight, stories, and physical presence embedded in meaningful objects. Moments addresses this gap by enabling users to 3D scan personal items and enrich them with written reflections, voice recordings, emotional tags, and contextual information such as time and place. These elements come together to form a spatial digital memory vault, transforming memory from a flat record into an experiential process.
A key application focuses on families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. When an elder is diagnosed, families often seek to preserve personal stories and cherished belongings. Moments transforms everyday objects into 3D memory artifacts enriched with voice and narrative, creating a gentle, private, and collaborative space for remembrance. Research findings indicate that engaging with these memory artifacts reduced feelings of sadness among family members by 16%, effectively strengthening emotional connection within the family.
Rather than attempting to resist forgetting, Moments seeks to create a sustainable emotional space for individuals and families to preserve, revisit, and share memories before they gradually fade. The project highlights the social value of digital technology in memory preservation and emotional care.