What if objects had memory? What would our lives look like from the perspective of the objects that surround us? The objects we carry with us through our lives are layered with stories that are tied to our personal history. However, with the objects that we keep and that have emotional value to us, what of their stories do we ever record? Archiving our personal and family stories along with the objects that are tied to these stories is the goal of a recent design project, called “Family Things”.

Akin to a recipe box, archive cards include a photograph of the significant object with a few factual details about the object. The back of the card tells the story of the object, and includes an image of the person with whom that story is associated. This box can be kept around the house for children, guests, and relatives to browse through, read family stories, and maybe even interact with the objects themselves.

To create a system that allows multiple perspectives to be shared and multiple family members to participate in the creation of the archive, the object cards are created using an online interface. The template allows for a consistent format to the archives created by many people and theoretically for generations to come. It also allows for a digital back-up in case cards would need to be reprinted, or family members in different locations would like to print their own archive.