How it works
For this initiative, we met with Edward, a research participant who has Alzheimer’s disease, to capture his personal recollections. We began by interviewing him to collect detailed descriptions from his past. These descriptions were then entered into Google’s ImageFX and VideoFX tools, with additional inputs to create images and videos that have a dream-like quality and evoke the essence of those memories. We worked with Edward to select and refine these synthetic memories of his past until he was satisfied with the visualisations.
One result was a generated visual reflecting Edward’s memory of hitchhiking on a roadside in Spain with his friend. The image, refined with his input, incorporated details he described, such as wearing his leather jacket and carrying a rucksack.
By exploring the intersection of memory, AI, and artistic expression, this initiative opens new possibilities for reminiscence therapy. As the research progresses, we aim to better understand how technology and creativity can work together to support memory, storytelling, and human connection.
This research is one of several initiatives where Google Arts & Culture explores the role of arts in health and wellbeing; discover more on g.co/artshealth
