The Champion Who Memorized 80 Numbers in 13.5 Seconds
nytimes.com
nytimes.com
I was curious as how "transferable" spatial memorization in a video game in the form of a "virtual memory palace" would be since the conventional approach is based off physically real familiar locations.
Surprisingly I found using a combination of memory palaces built off video game levels in conjunction with a PAO approach towards compressing three numerical values into a single visual image to be highly effective - though I mostly used it for parlor tricks like memorizing a randomly shuffled deck.
If you're interested in learning more about the memory competitions, memory palaces, etc. I highly recommend the book "Moonwalking with Einstein":
I've wondered similar stuff. Even in something like Wolfenstein 3D, where most of the rooms kind of feel the same, I managed to figure out how to navigate and not get too lost (even as a kid, and even before I realized that there's a map you can use). I've always wondered if there's a way to convert that relatively fast bit of memorization I was doing into something actually useful.
I still need to look into "memory palace" stuff.
Also, most of this information is freely available online at this point and there are a ton of resources for finding it probably but I remember it being a pretty useful book at the time.
Also for practical application - the Ludism website is an excellent resource.
My personal best had 20 seconds of memorization, for context.
The winner was really impressive in what was done (second place was also very impressive).
> They give you 80 random numbers that they display on a screen. You have to memorize all of those numbers as fast as possible, then click a button and a recall sheet appears. I wrote down all of the 80 digits — and I got them all right.
Insanely impressive one could do that in 13.5 seconds...
Duolingo is really just about combining gamification with spaced repetition.