Laura Simpson conducted summer thesis research exploring memory reconstruction through narrative and time-based visuals. Her research domains included memory, narrative, interaction theory, and conversation. She developed a first-person narrative memory game called Lethe that uses visuospatial minigames like Tetris and puzzles to help trauma victims reconstruct memories, taking inspiration from a study showing Tetris can act as a "PTSD vaccine." The game tells the narrative through cutscenes in reverse order and has the player work backward through therapeutic minigames to fill in missing events.

1. Laura Simpson
Summer Thesis Research
August 30th, 2010

2. Domains of Summer Research
Memory Reconstruction
of Narrative
Time Based
Visuals
Interaction Conversation
Theory

3. LETHE
A casual first-person narrative memory game, with visuospatial action minigames;
“It’s Tetris meets Memento”
Jess
Haskins
|
Laura
Simpson
|
Astra
Wijaya

4. LETHE
Inspira8on
o Oxford study, 2010: Tetris is effective as a “PTSD vaccine” following a traumatic
event
Concept
o The Lethe Institute, a therapeutic “play clinic” for trauma victims
o You are a patient reflecting back on your time there; narrative told through
cutscenes in reverse chronological order (Memento-style)
o Play “therapeutic” visuospatial minigames (Tetris, tangrams, sliding block puzzles)
o Play a visual memory game as you try to reconstruct missing events by working
backward

5. Harvest Works

6. Visual Step Sequencer

7. Wii Controlled Sequencer

8. InterActive Music New York

9. “Workout Steady”

10. Musical Voices

11. Lethe

12. “Amazing Bruises”

13. What Now?

14. TEI 2011

15. Academic Career Preparation

16. Scribbling Speech
/Mental X-section