How to Use the Memory Map

What the map shows

It assesses how filled out the sections and periods of life are and flags the gaps: for example, that there are almost no stories about the person's youth, or no voice at all. It's a clear picture of how fully the memory has been gathered. You see right away where it's worth putting in effort.

Prompting questions

The map phrases gentle questions for relatives: "What was he like in the 1970s?", "What was his favorite saying?", "Where did he spend his childhood?". Such questions awaken specific memories better than a general request to "tell us about him." They're handy to include in an invitation to loved ones.

Helps engage relatives

When there are specific questions, it's easier for people to respond — they recall an episode and share it. The map turns the vague task of "gathering memory" into clear little steps. This way there are more stories, and they're more varied.

Gradually to a complete story

You don't need to fill everything out at once — the map helps you move step by step. Closing one gap after another, one day you'll see the story has become truly whole. It's a calm, unhurried path with no pressure.

• Shows how filled out it is and where the gaps are.
• Phrases gentle questions for relatives.
• Helps engage loved ones with specifics.
• Leads to a complete story in small steps.