Materealized

Initial Research & Scope

I began by investigating the functions of memory, the impact of displacement on cultural identity, and emerging capabilities in AI.

While originally aiming for a global audience, I narrowed my focus to Filipino Americans, leveraging my cultural background in anthropology for deeper insight.

Over 45 surveys and five interviews revealed three core needs:

• An engaging way to preserve and share family stories

• A bridge between generations

• Experiences accurately representing Filipino culture

Design & Prototype

To answer the question, “How might we utilize generative AI to help Filipino immigrants and their descendants reconnect with and preserve cultural memories through immersive visual experiences?”

I developed a system that records stories through a microphone and generates abstract videos using various AI tools. Early VR headset tests with eight participants showed high emotional engagement, with 75% finding themes resonant with their own memories.

Exhibition & Interaction

For a broader public exhibit, visitors wrote memories on slips of paper—designed to prompt specific recollections—then spoke them into a microphone. A projector displayed real-time, 3D point-cloud images, encouraging guests to interpret visual abstractions. While participants found the memory slips highly effective (4.5/5), a body-tracking element proved unintuitive and underscored the need for more accessible, seamless interactions.

Challenges & Takeaways

1. Inclusivity: Podium height and microphone placement limited full accessibility.

2. Navigation: Clear signage or wayfinding would improve user flow.

3. Privacy: Alternative recording methods would help those uneasy about speaking aloud.

4. Scalability: Technical and operational hurdles arise with larger audiences.

5. Deeper Cultural Engagement: Incorporating stories from other displaced groups could broaden impact.

Ultimately, this project taught me the value of iterative prototyping, empathy-driven user research, and the importance of accessibility. Even with minimal experience in generative AI, I successfully built and tested an immersive system that resonated with participants’ cultural memories. By knowing when to pivot, focusing on user needs, and harnessing emerging technology, I created an engaging interaction that brings fragmented memories to life.