This isn’t about mnemonics alone, but it might interest people, since it’s about how to incorporate data into design, mentioning some physical mnemonic devices as examples (quipu, ititamat, etc.).
The term “Data Object” and its acronym DO refer to a type of everyday object configured in the intersection of two domains: data physicalisation and product design. More specifically, DO are usable, functional, and meaningful artefacts whose form and function encode data.
Abstract:
This paper describes the principles, methods and strategies for the design of everyday objects that embody data – or Data Objects. The work presented in the paper connects the fields of industrial design and data physicalisation to introduce the concept of using data as a design material. To support the creative synthesis of Data Objects the paper provides a literature review, methods and guidance on the creation of Data Objects alongside examples - and possible opportunities, challenges, and future scenarios - for the practice, use and the study of Data Objects.
Design principles mentioned:
- Treat data as a new type of material to design with.
- Design for access and (re)interpretation of the data embedded in the object.
- Design for cognitive and emotional engagement with the data embedded in the object.
- Design to empower people to use the data to rethink and challenge the status quo.
There’s more detail in the paper here:
Data Objects: Design Principles for Data Physicalisation