Haruto's Big Challenge: Chunking

2025-07-15 00:00:00 / episode: 446

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Welcome back to Haruto's Memory Mastery. Today, our IT consultant faces a new challenge: remembering complex project codes. Let's see how the chunking technique can help transform seemingly random strings into meaningful patterns.

CHAPTER 1: THE CHALLENGE

Three weeks into his new role, Haruto was gaining confidence. He could remember lists using serial recall and follow technical conversations using shadowing with delay. But today, he faced a different challenge.

During the weekly status meeting, Raj presented the development plan which included multiple project component codes.

We've broken down the project into five components with the following codes: FS-AUTH-2023-11, FS-MOB-2023-04, FS-PAY-2023-08, FS-DB-2023-15, and FS-API-2023-07.

These character codes represented different components, but their similar structure made them difficult to distinguish. Unlike simple word lists, these alphanumeric codes didn't have obvious meaning.

Tanaka-san, which code corresponds to the payment module?

I believe it's FS-PAY-2023... um, 07? No, wait...

He realized he'd confused it with the API component code. Even his serial recall and shadowing techniques weren't helping with these similar-looking strings.

CHAPTER 2: FRUSTRATION

Later that day, Kevin from FinTech Solutions called Haruto unexpectedly.

We need to make a change to the mobile component—that's FS-MOB-2023-04, right? Can you confirm the database component code as well? I need to update our tracking system.

Haruto managed to confirm the mobile component but gave the wrong number for the database. After the call, he discovered his mistake when checking his notes and had to send a correction email.

When Mei passed by his desk, she noticed his frustrated expression.

Problem with the client?

These project codes all blur together. I can remember words and concepts now, but these arbitrary strings of letters and numbers are still impossible.

CHAPTER 3: DISCOVERY

Mei sat down next to Haruto with a notepad.

You need chunking. Instead of seeing FS-AUTH-2023-11 as fourteen separate characters, break it into meaningful groups: 'FS' is the client, 'AUTH' is the component, '2023' is the year, and '11' is the version.

She drew dividing lines between the meaningful groups.

Chunking works because it reduces the number of items from fourteen characters to just four chunks. It attaches meaning to otherwise arbitrary information.

So instead of memorizing random characters, I'm organizing them by their purpose?

Exactly. You can also create personal memory hooks. Like '11' in the authentication component could remind you that authentication is your #1 priority, mentioned twice.

Haruto immediately saw how this could solve his problem with the project codes.

CHAPTER 4: APPLICATION

Over the next few days, Haruto practiced the chunking technique diligently.

He created a chart dividing each code into its four logical components. He developed memory hooks for the number portions. For example, 04 reminded him of April, which he associated with spring and the planned mobile app launch.

He practiced with flash cards, first seeing the full code, then covering it and recalling chunk by chunk.

Haruto discovered that by chunking, even complex codes became manageable. He no longer saw them as arbitrary strings but as structured information with meaningful patterns.

CHAPTER 5: CULTURAL ELEMENT

During lunch, Haruto and Takeshi discussed how different cultures approach memorization.

In Japanese education, we often use pure repetition for complex information like kanji. But Western memory experts use more associative techniques.

When I studied abroad, my American classmates created stories and mnemonics for things we would have just memorized through repetition.

Maybe that's why we sometimes struggle in international business. We're trained to memorize exact information, but not necessarily to organize it in meaningful ways.

Chunking seems like a blend of approaches—respecting the precise information while organizing it more efficiently.

CHAPTER 6: TEACHING MOMENT

The next day, Aiko approached Haruto with a problem.

I'm struggling with the API endpoints for the documentation. There are so many similar-looking ones: '/api/v1/auth/login', '/api/v1/auth/register', '/api/v1/payments/process'...

I've been learning about chunking. Instead of seeing these as long strings, break them into meaningful groups.

He wrote out the endpoints and drew divisions between logical segments.

'/api' is the base path, '/v1' is the version, '/auth' or '/payments' is the component, and '/login' or '/register' is the specific function.

Now, instead of memorizing twenty-plus characters, you're working with four logical chunks. Each chunk has a purpose, which makes it easier to remember.

Aiko tried the technique with a few endpoints and was surprised by how quickly she could recall them when organized this way.

This actually works! I can see the pattern now instead of just a string of characters.

CHAPTER 7: SUCCESS

During the next client meeting, Kevin asked about specific component codes.

I need to update our roadmap. Can you remind me of the codes for the authentication and payment components?

Certainly. The authentication component is FS-AUTH-2023-11, and the payment component is FS-PAY-2023-08.

We're considering adding a notification feature. What would that code be, following your current system?

Haruto thought about the pattern he'd internalized through chunking.

That would be FS-NOTIF-2023-01, assuming it's the first version and following our current naming convention.

Kevin looked impressed with Haruto's quick and systematic response. After the call, Director Yamamoto, who had been listening, nodded approvingly.

You've become very familiar with the project structure, Tanaka-san. I notice you no longer need to check your notes for the component codes.

Thank you, Director. I've been working on organizing the information more effectively.

CHAPTER 8: REFLECTION

That evening, Haruto updated his memory technique journal.

Chunking complements my previous techniques: Serial recall helps with distinct items in sequence, shadowing helps process information in real-time, and chunking helps organize complex information into meaningful patterns.

As he finished writing, Haruto received a meeting invitation for an international conference call involving participants from five different countries, all with unique names and roles he'd need to remember.

Multiple people with different backgrounds and roles? I wonder which memory technique will help me master this challenge...

Haruto smiled, knowing that his growing toolkit of memory techniques was preparing him for increasingly complex professional challenges.

Chunking transforms complex, arbitrary information into meaningful patterns by grouping items based on their function or meaning. This powerful technique is especially useful for alphanumeric codes, long numbers, and technical specifications.

To practice chunking yourself:

Identify meaningful groups within complex information
Create logical divisions between chunks
Assign meaning or purpose to each chunk
Use visual or color-coding to reinforce the chunks
Practice recalling information chunk by chunk

In our next episode, we'll join Haruto as he learns rhythmic rehearsal to remember stakeholder names and roles. Until then, happy practicing!