In our Google+ Hangout today, we talked a little bit about memorizing directions. Does anyone use memory techniques to memorize directions?
I use the method that is mentioned by Dominic O’Brien. Each stage of the trip is placed into a locus of a memory journey. I use this kind of 10-stage journey at a coffee shop:
Example directions:
- Drive south down Valley Road. (that’s a left from the parking lot where you are)
- Take a left on Mill Road.
- Go straight until you see a sign for route 580 north.
- Drive on 580 north to exit 22.
- Take exit 22 and turn right on Water Street.
- The destination is 523 Water Street.
In my first location, I would place an image for Valley Road. You could either make an image for “left” and “right”, or just look left or right in your journey.
In the second location, I would make an image for Mill Road and look left. I might reinforce the “left” and “right” with something else – like “lima bean” for left and “romeo” for right. (Based on the letters)
In the third location, an image for 580. In my system, that is “lace”.
In the fourth location, an image for 22. In my system, that is an onion.
In the fifth location, look right and drive the car into some water (Water Street).
In the 6th location, an image for 523 (a loom) floating in the water.
I would review in a few times and then go for it.
Because directions can be very tricky sometimes, I don’t use this for mission critical situations. If your girlfriend/boyfriend is standing in the rain, waiting for a ride, write down the directions, or you might get into trouble if you accidentally stray off the track or if the actual route doesn’t match the directions. “I remembered it, but the route was different” won’t stand up to the angry question: “why didn’t you write it down?” 
Does anyone have any other methods for memorizing directions?