Collecting memorabilia has been a longstanding practice as it evolved around cultures and societies. Despite existing research about preserving memorabilia, meaningful preservation methods remain unclear due to the individual and idiosyncratic nature of practices . Migrants who collect memorabilia face challenges in preserving them due to unavoidable circumstances such as lack of transportation, physical measurements and weight of memorabilia.In 2020, 281 million people migrated globally, accounting for 3.6% of the world's population, and as this issue continues to grow, finding practical solutions is crucial .

The aim of this study is to explore ways to digitally preserve memorabilia to maintain their material qualities and meaning across diverse geographical contexts (RQ1). The study also focused on understanding what objects migrants regard as worth preserving (RQ2) and how digital memorabilia can be designed to serve as memory tokens (RQ3).

The research employed an exploratory case study approach, focusing on first-generation Sri Lankan migrants . Qualitative data was collected through interviews and the use of 3D printing and augmented reality was evaluated through prototype testing using a research-through-design approach .

Results revealed that souvenirs encapsulates sentimental, economic and aesthetic values that provides a symbolic meaning to its’ owner and contributes to constructing their identity. Migrants were willing to try new technologies and augmented reality was recognised as a satisfying experience. To transfer memorabilia meaningfully among different geographical context, a holistic solution for memorabilia preservation was expected by migrants where physical protection of memorabilia is emphasized.

Further research in this study involves utilizing photogrammetry scanning and 3D modeling to closely replicate real-life memorabilia and further evaluating mixed-reality user interactions such as augmented reality.