Designing a Digital Memory Assistant for the Security Services
I was part of the 1997-8 group studying the partly taught masters Human Centred Computer Systems at the University of Sussex in Brighton. The Autumn and Spring terms were decidedly hectic, with piles of reading and stacks of group work, all to be done NOW! The summer was much gentler, with several months in which to create a personal dissertation.
I chose to develop an idea from Kodak who wanted a new way to use digital imaging. I designed a wearable computer which automatically offered assistance in everyday work (a new concept in 1998). Because the university had its own security service I decided to ask them to participate as potential users, along with security staff at the University of Brighton and Brighton hospital. In addition, I had the system record digital imiges and sounds whenever something interesting happened, for later replay as a memory aid when the security staff wrote up their notes.
Life is short, and the masters had been a lot of work, so I tried to find some recreation. The university had its own radio station and TV studio. As well as presenting a weekly music show on University Radio Falmer, I wanted to have a play with the University's TV studio. So it occurred to me that I could solve the problem of how to test the memory aid by making a video of a security incident, playing it to the security staff and asking them to use a mock-up of the memory aid to see how it helped them remember the mock incident.
Well, it worked fine. Great fun was had by all, and with the help of a few friends there was soon splendid video. It doubtless helped get the distinction and made for one memorable year in brighton.