Device as Memory

Definition

Some of the contents of our brain resides elsewhere. Traditionally in address books and letters, ledgers and receipts, objects and heirlooms. Some are memories, some are facts, some are data. In technology, avatars become memories and representations, placeholders for meaning and value, ideas and presence.

In this case, one's old cell phone may remind one of the relationships and communication that passed through that place, specifically if the device was the primary or significant touchpoint during the course of the relationship. In these cases, the way to get to the human is through the interface, which ends up taking on, and reminding the person of the characteristics of a person.