My goal is to memorize 100 digits at 1 digit per second using the mnemonic major system. I’ve isolated the task into two components: encoding and memorization. I’ve made a small browser based game for each to help me practice and measure my progress.
This game measures the speed and accuracy at which I can convert a random two digit number like 63 into a pre-defined mnemonic like gym. For each “set” I do 20 trials. My goal function right now is
goal = average time + number wrong
Because I am typing in each answer, the times recorded can be slower than the speed of memorization at 1 digit per second.
| Date | Time | Score | Mean Speed (s) | Number Wrong |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-11-19 | 22:08:47 | 6.57 | 4.57 | 2 |
| 22:09:12 | 6.24 | 5.24 | 1 | |
| 22:12:12 | 5.47 | 4.47 | 1 | |
| 22:13:26 | 4.69 | 4.69 | 0 | |
| 2017-11-20 | 08:45:24 | 5.01 | 3.01 | 2 |
| 08:46:45 | 6.48 | 5.48 | 1 | |
| 20:50:22 | 7.62 | 5.62 | 2 | |
| 20:51:51 | 4.87 | 3.87 | 1 | |
| 2017-11-22 | 18:54:46 | 4.31 | 4.31 | 0 |
| 19:00:36 | 4.62 | 3.62 | 1 | |
| 2017-11-23 | 20:33:44 | 2.51 | 2.51 | 0 |
| 21:28:39 | 6.72 | 5.72 | 1 | |
| 21:31:42 | 6.18 | 4.18 | 2 | |
| 21:35:52 | 4.43 | 3.43 | 1 | |
| 2017-11-25 | 18:27:07 | 8.99 | 6.99 | 2 |
This game mimics my end goal. After getting up-to-speed and seeing how hared I can push myself, I’m trying to stay at or near the 1 digit per second mark and increase the number of digits per presentation. I’ve been memorizing two numbers at the given length per “set.” Starting at 100-digits would be demoralizing and a waste of time, so I’m starting around 30-40 digits.
goal = edit distance^2 / trials - number of digits
| Date | Time | Speed (s) | Edit Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/25/17 | 10:37:21 PM | 500 | 0 |
| 10/26/17 | 5:21:53 AM | 2000 | 0 |
| 5:22:55 AM | 2000 | 1 | |
| 5:42:24 AM | 2000 | 1 | |
| 5:43:12 AM | 2000 | 4 | |
| 5:44:03 AM | 2000 | 0 | |
| 5:45:46 AM | 2000 | 0 | |
| 5:46:56 AM | 2000 | 0 | |
| 10/27/17 | 7:51:17 AM | 2000 | 1 |
| 8:04:29 AM | 2000 | 2 | |
| 8:07:10 AM | 2000 | 0 | |
| 11/19/17 | 11:08:18 PM | 1750 | 0 |
| 11:33:37 PM | 1750 | 3 | |
| 11:36:05 PM | 1250 | 0 | |
| 11:37:10 PM | 1250 | 0 | |
| 11:49:01 PM | 1000 | 3 | |
| 11:50:11 PM | 1000 | 3 | |
| 11/20/17 | 9:03:30 PM | 1000 | 0 |
| 10:02:55 PM | 1000 | 5 | |
| 10:04:14 PM | 1000 | 0 | |
| 11/23/17 | 9:54:22 PM | 1000 | 3 |
| 9:56:11 PM | 1000 | 1 |