Crossing Wires was a interactive project that explored how our concept of time exists as a function of our memories. Created by Kaden Duncan-Matis, Ali Taylor, Jordan Collington, and Jayla Robertson.
Memory constructs how we learn from the past and prepare for the future. However, memory is not an exact replica of reality. Memories can be distorted and manipulated without our conscious awareness, leading to false memories, interference, and memory bias. Computers are seen as objective carriers of information, much as memory is often considered a direct representation of reality. Using Arduino kits as a metaphor, we revealed the parallels between computers and the human mind to show how our memories can shift and become unreliable across time.
To accomplish this we had our audience interact with an interface visibly similar to an old box computer monitor, which symbolized long term memory. On the screen was a display that posed a thought provoking question about a past date in the participant’s life, and a space to input that date as a number. This information was then encoded via morse code, and passed through a system of wires to a second monitor, a modern laptop symbolizing short term memory. The distance between systems introduced noise to the data, which made it harder for the receiving system to accurately intake the morse code. This allowed for errors to be introduced to the information, therefore the output date displayed on the short term memory terminal had a chance of being slightly skewed from its original. This gave the audience the ability to reflect on how their memories may not be the objective truths they may assume, and the ways external factors may have otherwise imperceptible effects on the reliability of memory.
We narrowed down the bank of questions asked to those that would have enough emotional significance to develop a memory from. Based on our research that emotionally charged events lead to a memory being remembered better.
- When was the last time you saw your favourite teacher?
- When was the last time you had a memorable interaction with a stranger?
- When did you overcome a major obstacle or setback?
- When was the last time you admired the beauty of nature?
- When did a piece of art move you deeply?
- When have you experienced a moment of profound love?
- When did you make a life-changing decision?
- When was the last time a song affected you in a profound way?
- When was the last time you received a heartfelt compliment?
- When was the last time you laughed until your ribs hurt?
- When was the last time you read for your own enjoyment?
- When was the first time you saw your favourite person?
- When was the last time you talked to someone you are no longer friends with?
- When was the last time you saw your favourite teacher?