Loci
What
Loci is a mixed reality mind mapping application that uses the method of loci and 3D interaction to support you on your personal analysis tasks. These tasks can include looking for an apartment, finding out more about a disease, or deciding on a next job. In the picture below, the user is working on a house design, with nodes and links describing its attributes.
Why
You make important decisions about your life that can not be answered with a web search. Loci can help you in all the steps of decision making; observe, orient, decide, and act. This is known as an OODA loop. Finding an apartment is a relevant example of the personal analysis many people do. When you do web searches you are observing. When you collect and sort important things you have found through searching, such as with a note application, you are orienting. When you list the alternatives in excel you are using a tool to decide. And when you make a decision and act by filling an online form or calling a person, you are acting. Loci applies to all these stages.
Where
Where you place and do things is very important to your memory and therefore to perception, comprehension and prediction of solutions to your problems, your situation awareness. Locations in your house or office are important to you. They have meaning that you recall, and with Loci you can combine your visual and spatial memory.
How
Our current prototype uses the Microsoft HoloLens. It supports spatial mapping so you can place nodes from your mind maps in relevant locations in your house. You start with making a node named according to the problem you are working on, then you add and link more nodes for attributes of the problem, so you have a visualization of your problem.
Who
If you are purchasing expensive items or services, such as cars, houses, college, stocks, or medical treatment, you could benefit by analyzing your information using Loci. Analysis is the process of breaking a complex topic into smaller parts to gain a better understanding of it. If you are trying to solve complex problems, or produce complex things, such as a new project, you could benefit by working with Loci.
When
Loci is for longer term problems you are working on, where you need to apply your capabilities for cognition. You may return to these problems over a span of weeks or months to arrive at the right decision. You are likely to use this when you are at home or work and have set aside time to think.
