Memory devices Although not a design concern of paramount importance, a practical application of the knowledge of memory and cognition as outlined in Chapter 2 can be found in the Xerox machine that our organization uses with alarming regularity. All functions are located within an entry pad, complete with a number keypad and color coded function buttons that have a singular purpose as defined by their color and symbol. Some functions are used with more regularity than others and are therefore more difficult to recall in the form of a simulation. There are very few buttons required to initiate any particular function, which alleviates any concerns over the perpetual memory trace fading and the Working Memory reaching capacity. Therefore, process of initiating a function is established as a cognitive process. 426347235 can be redistributed as: 426 347 235 When we give new teachers this information, we write it down in three separate groups as illustrated above. It seems, and chapter 2 seems to indicated, that this facilitates retention of the information more so than offering one linear sequence of numbers. The same logic seems to apply to social security numbers. The quicker one moves this information to long term memory, the less likely they are to feel the practical effects of working memory decay. Listing the information in chunks also helps recall the information from long term memory. For example, the number as listed: 426 347 235 Experiences the situation where the first two numbers total the third, as is the case with 4+2=6. So, if the teacher cannot remember 426, then perhaps they can remember just the 6 and work backwards. By creating sequences in this way, the chunks of numbers are linked with other memory devices offering alternative methods of recall.
A further example can be found when the copier misfeeds or jams. The process by which we clear out the various nooks and crannies can be associated with the level of profanities cast at the machine. We are creating our own associations by which to recall the correct procedural information from long term memory to avoid it decaying in working memory.
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