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Sound, paper and memorabilia: resources for a simpler digital photography

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Abstract

In this paper we reflect on a body of work to develop a simpler form of digital photography. We give three examples of ‘Less is More’ thinking in this area which are directed and inspired by naturalistic user behaviours and reactions to design ideas. Each example happens to review the place of an old technology in the new scheme of things, and challenges a technological trend in the industry. Hence, we consider the role of sound in photography to recommend audiophotographs rather than short video clips as a new media form. We look again at the role of paper in photo sharing and recommend its support and augmentation against the trend towards screen-based viewing. Finally, we consider the role of physical souvenirs and memorabilia alongside photographs, to recommend their use as story triggers and containers, in contrast to explicit multimedia presentations. The implications for simple computing are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The research by the first author was carried out whilst employed by Hewlett Packard Labs Bristol. Collaborators on particular concepts are acknowledged in associated references, except for those responsible for the Blink audiocamera. The latter include Andrew Hunter, Guy Adams, Mark Murphy, Gary Porter, Paul Brittan and Stephen Pollard. The research by the second author was carried out whilst working as a Research Associate at the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre (HHRC) at the Royal College of Art (RCA), London. The research associate year was sponsored by HHRC and Hewlett-Packard Labs, Bristol. Hewlett-Packard Labs continued to support and fund the work of the second author as a PhD research project within the Interaction Design department at the Royal College of Art. This PhD work is also funded by a studentship from the Equator project in which the Interaction Design Research Studio at the RCA is participating.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Digital World Research Centre, School of Human Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK

    David Frohlich

  2. Department of Interaction Design, Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London , SW7 2EU, UK

    Jacqueline Fennell

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  1. David Frohlich
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  2. Jacqueline Fennell
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Correspondence to David Frohlich.

Additional information

This paper originated from the International Forum ‘Less is More—Simple computing in an age of complexity’, 27–28 April 2005, Cambridge UK.

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Frohlich, D., Fennell, J. Sound, paper and memorabilia: resources for a simpler digital photography. Pers Ubiquit Comput 11, 107–116 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00779-006-0069-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00779-006-0069-4

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