Mnemonic devices are used to make information more simple or meaningful so that they are more easily remembered. They beneficial because they serve as learning strategies that enhance and help with recall of information (Bellezza, 1981). This can be done through imagery or words to connect something unfamiliar to something that is familiar (Lidwell, 2010). Mnemonic learning uses the following three memory processes: symbolizing, organizing and associating (Bellezza and McDaniel, 2004). Examples of mnemonic devices include Keyword, Rhyme, Feature-Name and First Letter. Keyword is using similar words or phrases to associate with the original. Rhyme is when phrases are linked through rhyming schemes to help with recall. Feature-Name is a word that is related to one of the features linked to the original. First-Letter is when the first letter of the items form a meaningful phrase. (Lidwell, 2010)
Example 1 (UPD Source): Logos
In Universal Principles of Design, examples of Mnemonic Device were shown in form of clever logos that use different mnemonic devices to make them more memorable. This included logos from Hip Dance Studio, Ram Memory, Treehouse Lofts, Community Police and Vine Wines. Each logo used images to keywords or feature-names to help with memory recall.
Example 2 (Internet Source): The Onion
The Onion is a digital media company that publishes satire news based on current events and both international and national news. Their logo is a image of a onion next to their company name The Onion. Using imagery to leverage familiar concepts makes the logo more memorable.
Example 3 (Non-Internet Source): ROY G. BIV
ROY G. BIV is a mnemonic device taught and used by many to remember the color and order of the rainbow. Each letter of ROY G. BIV stands for a color: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet. It is still used to this day to help children recall the order and colors of the rainbow.R
References
Bellezza, Francis S. “Mnemonic Devices: Classification, Characteristics, and Criteria.” Review of Educational Research, vol. 51, no. 2, 1981, p. 247., doi:10.2307/1170198.
Bellezza, Francis S., and Mark A. McDaniel. “Mnemonic Devices.” Learning and Memory, edited by John H. Byrne, 2nd ed., Macmillan Reference USA, 2004, pp. 393-395. Gale Virtual Reference Library, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CX3407100140/GVRL?u=univca20&sid=GVRL&xid=83c4068a. Accessed 12 Oct. 2018.
Lidwell, William, et al. Universal Principles of Design 125 Ways to Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, Increase Appeal, Make Better Design Decisions, and Teach through Design. Rockport, 2010.
“Mnemonic Device for the Order and the Colors of the Rainbow.” Mnemonic Devices Memory Tools, www.mnemonic-device.com/weather/roy-g-biv/.