Improving Knowledge Access and Memory with Technology

Improving Knowledge Access and Memory with Technology

In today's information age, we have access to an overwhelming amount of knowledge. However, the challenge lies in turning that information into useful, actionable, and trustworthy knowledge. This is where the concept of "Memory as a Service" comes into play. The idea is to use technology to enhance human memory and make better sense of the information we already have.

One aspect of the "Access to Knowledge" thesis is focused on consumer learning platforms that help users acquire and internalize new knowledge. Platforms like Duolingo, Quizlet, Codecademy, Outschool, and Brilliant have been successful in this regard. However, there is another important pillar of the thesis that has been explored less: making better sense of existing information.

One specific idea within this pillar is using technology to improve human memory. Imagine a tool that can prompt you to revisit photos from a specific day in the past or cross-reference memories from multiple sources. Google Photos already does this to some extent by reminding users of photos from previous years. However, there is still room for improvement and finding the ideal product approach is an ongoing process.

One of the challenges in implementing memory-enhancing tools is finding the right approach that suits different users. While some individuals may benefit from active note-taking methods, others may find it cumbersome or ineffective. Therefore, it is crucial to develop tools that cater to a wide range of users and their unique needs.

When it comes to obtaining permissions from users on iOS, there are certain strategies that have proven to be more successful than others. The key is to ask for access only when it is truly necessary and to clearly communicate the benefits users will receive in return. The initial blitzkrieg approach of asking for access upfront resulted in low acceptance rates. Instead, asking for permission at the right time, when users understand the value they will gain, significantly increased acceptance rates.

Another effective strategy is using double system-style dialogs. By presenting users with two options - "Give Access" or "Don't Allow" - the majority of users are more likely to grant access. In fact, less than 2% of total users denied access at a system level using this approach.

Educational pre-permission overlays and user-triggered dialogs have also shown promising results. By providing users with relevant information and context before asking for permission, the acceptance rates can be close to 100%. For example, asking for photo access after a user taps on the camera and chooses photos increased the acceptance rate from 67% to 89%. Similarly, when users are clearly trying to access their own address book, 100% of users accept the contacts access when prompted.

In conclusion, the quest for improving knowledge access and memory through technology is an important aspect of the "Access to Knowledge" thesis. While consumer learning platforms have focused on acquiring new knowledge, there is still a need to make better sense of existing information. Memory-enhancing tools and strategies, along with effective permission-seeking methods, can greatly contribute to this goal. By understanding users' needs, providing clear benefits, and implementing user-friendly approaches, we can empower individuals to make the most of the information available to them.

Actionable Advice:

1. Develop memory-enhancing tools that cater to different user preferences and needs.
2. Clearly communicate the benefits users will receive when asking for permissions on iOS.
3. Implement strategies like double system-style dialogs and educational pre-permission overlays to increase acceptance rates for accessing user data.