Remember Ring:
An Heirloom Bridging Generations
User centered design
Prototyping
Storytelling
Woodworking
Vacuum forming
14 weeks, Fall 2024
Purpose
When both my grandparents passed away this year, I found myself trying to grasp onto whatever pieces or memories were left. While older family members argued over jewelry, clothes, and money, I was dumbfounded to see all the items my grandparents actually cherished were ignored by everyone else.
Remember Ring facilitates interactions within family members through shared objects and storytelling, connecting past generations with those of the present and future. Instead of letting precious memories fade, Remember Ring encourages family members to place small objects they cherish or find happiness in, creating a physical space where these items can live and be shared.
Process
Interactive object gallery encouraging storytelling and remembrance.
Design
Crafted from wood (red oak) for its timeless qualities, the torus shape represents harmony and connection. The design encourages interaction and can seamlessly fit into any home. The clear pocket gives a glimpse of the contents and sparks curiosity, compelling users to interact with the object.
Family members place objects they find value or happiness with into Remember Ring. The ring is divided into sections, indicative of family member or generation. Each object placed in the ring serves as a trigger for storytelling, allowing memories to be shared, remembered, and cherished.
The ring rotates on a track, to signify the continuity of family. The track has a start and end point, indicative of and remembering the family timeline.
In essence, Remember Ring keeps memories alive by connecting your family’s past with its future, ensuring that the stories and the sentiments tied to heirlooms are never lost, but passed down through time.
Storytelling through passed down objects