Explore Weaving Memories, an innovative encrypted communication system that transforms digital messages into laser-cut felt carpets. Inspired by ancient Andean textiles and early computing memory, this project bridges digital encoding with tangible design.
Abstract
Weaving Memories is an encrypted communication system presented as a laser-cut felt carpet, combining digital encoding with physical design. The system encodes messages into four distinct symbols across 15 canvases of varying grids and colors, drawing inspiration from ancient Andean communication methods and early computing memory systems.
The interface where is possible to encrypt and decrypt the message - Image courtesy of Yllka Shehu and Matteo Subet under CC BY SA 4.0
Concept
The project integrates both digital and physical elements, utilizing Processing for encoding and decoding messages, which are then materialized into a tangible carpet. The Processing sketch features two screens—encoding and decoding—allowing users to interact by following on-screen instructions. To encode a message, users input text that is transformed into four unique characters. Decoding requires users to utilize keys 1-4 for each character, revealing letters after every three characters. Users can input their encoded messages into different grids and save them as PDF files, enabling the creation of digital or physical projects customized to their preferences.
The interface where is possible to encrypt and decrypt the message - Image courtesy of Yllka Shehu and Matteo Subet under CC BY SA 4.0
Process Development
The project draws inspiration from ancient Andean communication forms, such as textiles where every detail conveyed meaning, and khipu—knotted strings recording information in a three-dimensional binary code. Additionally, it references the “core rope memory” technology from the 1960s, physically woven into high-density storage. The source code for Weaving Memories is available in Processing, facilitating user interaction and customization.
The interface where is possible to encrypt and decrypt the message - Image courtesy of Yllka Shehu and Matteo Subet under CC BY SA 4.0
Note
The project was developed during the Programming Interactive Objects course of the Master of Arts in Interaction Design at SUPSI together with my collegue Yllka Shehu.
How to cite this page:
Subet, Matteo (2022). Weaving Memories. Retrieved on 18 December 2025 from zumat.ch/projects/weaving-memories.html