What if Memories Could be Held?

Ansh Trivedi
Jul 20
2 min read

Membo is an exploration of this question. It's a capturing device and viewing system that fuses digital photography and physical keepsakes, making memories tangible- and the act of capturing mindful!

Why Capture Memories Memories Tangibly and Mindfully?

Physical artefacts evoke strong emotional memories which are commonly lost with time.
Abundance of capturing devices and data has made the process loose meaning.
Deliberate capturing and a new interesting way of recall would change the experience completely.

End Goal - Capture the moment. Collect the object. Link them forever. Provide a beautiful recall experience.

Research

I dived deep into documentation, capturing, memories and all the different activities performed in the process of capturing. Some interesting insights:

The emotional power of physical keepsakes
Mindful capturing
Immediate vs. delayed recall

Bulletin board with sketches, notes, and diagrams on beige paper against a brick wall. Varied designs and concepts are displayed.

Ideation and Designing the Membo Experience:

After running through over 30 unique concepts around the vision, I narrowed down on -

A device that captures visuals and also provides something like a bag or some enclosure wherein objects are stored along with the image.

Text describing a concept for capturing memories using a device. Includes a user flow diagram and an orange device with a yellow flower. — Concept Poster

Prototyping

There were three elements that needed to be prototyped for the 'Membo' Experience:

Cartridges: Containers that hold objects and store linked photos.
Capturing Device: Portable, rugged and easy to use with live view and feedback lights.
Dock: A place to view your memories as a slideshow.

Orange 3D-printed parts, sketches, and machines in steps for cartridge creation. Includes hands assembling and cardboard prototype. Text: "Cartridge Process and Making".

Grid of nine images showing electronic device assembly. Includes wiring, components, a computer, and a 3D-printed case. Text: "Ready for use".

Collage of a dock creation process. Steps show sensor testing, coding, cardboard models, assembly, and final prototype on a desk.

Brown device with a screen reads "Digital Membo Insert Cartridge" against a leafy plant background. Light bands hold the device. — Prototype 1

A hand holds a brown and beige box with a clear rectangular extension, set indoors with blurred plants in the background. — Prototype 1

Hands hold a brown device with a screen displaying text. Background shows blurred greenery and yellow flowers. — Final Prototype

Hand holding a brown and beige gadget with a screen against a cloudy sky. The person wears a black bracelet. No visible text. — Final Prototype

'Membo' - The Final Product & Experience:

It’s not about high-resolution photography. It’s about high-resolution remembering.

Membo is designed for explorers, collectors, and memory-keepers—people who see value in moments not for how perfect they look, but for how deeply they’re felt. Its like keeping a journal, but better!

The Capturing Device

One-handed use
LED feedback (Idle, Capture, Save)
Rugged, outdoor-ready form
Uploads images to server with tag name

The Cartridge

Holds physical keepsakes
Stores linked photos (via NFC tagging)
Magnetic snap for satisfying attachment

The Dock

Shows memories with date time and location
Plays a slideshow
Satisfying snap of cartridge
Images downloaded locally from server

Illustration of a device user journey with four steps: Exploration, Capturing Moments, Saving Memories, Recalling Memories. Includes text and diagrams. — User Journey, Response to Action and Design Decisions

Takeaways and the Future of Membo:

There was a lot to learn, from visualising and executing an idea, to creating an experience using digital technologies embedded inside physical products. its been a wild ride whith tons of coding errors, short circuits, 3d modelling.

I also learnt about feedback loops and hence formulated the LED experience and added it to the capturing device.

Membo could be improved and also taken forward in many ways:

Imagine sharing cartridges filled with objects and photos from a trip together!
Minimizing device materials and cost. Probably even getting rid of the capturing device and sell the Membo experience mainly via the dock and cartridges.
Cloud syncing and usage of AI to enhance the recall experience

Three beige-capped clear containers with items inside are on a wooden shelf. A decorative plate with a map design is in the background.

Here's How the Membo Might Make You Feel Someday!

Years from now, you open a box.

Inside, a scattered collection of small cartridges—each unlabeled, mysterious, and full of tiny objects.

You pick one.

You don't remember when or where it's from.

You place it on the dock.

The screen lights up.

A slideshow begins—familiar faces, places, and a leaf you once tucked inside.

You smile.

Because in that moment, memory isn't just seen—

It's felt.