- Feb 2019
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dougengelbart.org dougengelbart.org
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but you will not yet have been given much of a feel for how a computer-based augmentation system can really help a person
This is rather interesting in that Engelbart is saying not knowing much about the technical details is almost an asset here.
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language
The means we use to encode affect language. Why doesn't it affect the message or the concept as well?
Do people feel they need to use an emoji as part of their message or is its use triggered by the medium?
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concepts in their raw, unverbalized form
There is a way to use symbols to evoke an original message in a natural language. Unlike shorthand, which are symbols that have a direct reference to words or syllables, Rozan's notetaking method for interpreters focuses on concepts. Originally published in French in 1956, it was probably not well known at the time Engelbart wrote this report. Interpreters do not work finding word equivalence, but concepts recreated in another language. An example here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpreting_notes
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he could successfully make use of even more powerful symbol-structure manipulation processes utilizing the Memex capabilities
Scalability
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Extension of existing photographic techniques to give each individual a continuously available miniature camera for recording anything
A mobile phone. A tool to make any of us become a reporter anywhere.
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This supplemented the individual's memory and ability to visualize. (We are not concerned here with the value derived from human cooperation made possible by speech and writing, both forms of external symbol manipulation. We speak of the manual means of making graphical representations of symbols—
The expression "manual means of making graphical representation" makes me think of photography as a memory aid or augmenting tool. Although, of course, it would not necessarily refer to a symbolic portrayal.
Interestingly, neuroscience today affirms our memory is far from a simple pointing to the past function, but it actually alters or edits the memory itself each time we go back to it and probably the subject who remembers changes in the process. Could that be an example of how technological aids can augment our brain processing of memories?
I have recently explored this idea on my blog in a post called As We May Remember (a wink to the Vannebar Bush essay) http://eltnotes.blogspot.com/2019/02/as-we-may-remember.html
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first draft could represent a free outpouring of thoughts
This paragraph outlines a truly augmented way of writing that cannot happen using paper. To me noting on paper has changed purpose. Sometimes it is an echo noting of a quote, a key word, a diagram. It is closer to drawing. But writing as thinking out loud, writing as trying to make sense...that is tech aided. I am sure my mind changes its processimg focus depending on whether I face a screen or a copybook. Just as you shift perspective when you watch through a camera lens to take a good pic...you see more.
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