Roy Davis

Samsara: Digital Media for Expressing One’s Legacy

A unique tangible approach that explores digital media's potential to honor and memorialize individuals by comprehending their desired remembrance,that ultimately enriches the reminiscing process for others.

What sets Samsara unique? Unlike other projects in the same domain, Samsara offers a comprehensive approach. Existing works focus on singular goals such as legacy websites, funeral arrangements, or tangible memorabilia. In contrast, this project presents a holistic framework that covers an entire cycle and offers a more meaningful experience. It combines tangible elements with digital applications to create an engaging interactive encounter.

What can Samsara achieve? Samsara empowers individuals to craft digital profiles tailored to their desires. Whether it's a public legacy or a deeply personal tribute, this platform accommodates diverse expectations. This digital profile gains added significance through a tangible connection and the recipient interacts with a memorial representation in close proximity, making the experience truly immersive and special.

What are Samsara's standout attributes? Versatility and inclusivity throughout the process. Thoughtful prompts and sample profiles offer valuable starting points. Key junctures are designed for accessibility, ensuring a user-friendly experience for everyone.

About Samsara This project embraced a Research through Design approach, drawing inspiration from HCI initiatives. Insights from engaging three distinct user groups profoundly influenced concept evolution. Adapted methodology yielded thought-provoking ideas, underscoring the interconnectedness within the concept's facets. The core lesson was recognizing and catering to diverse human perspectives in system design. This journey led to the creation of a comprehensive Content Flow Framework, which laid the foundation for Samsara—a tangible expression of this framework. Samsara integrated NFC and geo-fencing into five real-world scenarios, supported by multiple prototypes and effective testing strategies. Cooperative evaluation validated Samsara's purpose, culminating in a successful realization of its objectives.