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The Senses: Design Beyond Vision

Edgar Hayes

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The Senses: Design Beyond Vision

by Ellen Lupton

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23681 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	224 pages
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When we think of design, we often think of how things look. But design is about more than just aesthetics. It's about creating an experience that engages all of the senses.

Sensory design is the practice of designing environments that engage all of the senses. This can include using different materials, textures, scents, sounds, and lighting to create a more immersive and enjoyable experience.

There are many benefits to sensory design. For example, sensory design can:

Improve mood and well-being
Reduce stress
Enhance cognitive function
Increase creativity
Make spaces more inclusive

Sensory design is an important consideration for any type of space, from homes and offices to schools and hospitals. By engaging all of the senses, sensory design can create environments that are more comfortable, productive, and enjoyable for everyone.

The Five Senses and Design

The five senses are sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Each sense can be used to create a unique and memorable experience.

Sight

Sight is the most dominant sense for humans. We use our eyes to gather information about our surroundings and to make decisions. In design, sight can be used to create a variety of effects, such as:

Creating a sense of space and depth
Drawing attention to certain elements
Creating a mood or atmosphere

When designing for sight, it is important to consider the following factors:

Color: Color can have a powerful impact on mood and behavior. Warm colors, such as red and orange, are often used to create a sense of energy and excitement. Cool colors, such as blue and green, are often used to create a sense of calm and relaxation.
Light: Light can be used to create a variety of effects, such as creating shadows, highlighting objects, and creating a sense of drama. Natural light is often preferred to artificial light, as it can create a more natural and inviting atmosphere.
Shape: Shape can be used to create a variety of effects, such as creating a sense of movement, creating a focal point, and creating a sense of enclosure.

Sound

Sound is a powerful sense that can be used to create a variety of effects, such as:

Creating a sense of atmosphere
Influencing mood and behavior
Communicating information

When designing for sound, it is important to consider the following factors:

Volume: The volume of sound can have a significant impact on the overall experience. Loud noises can be overwhelming and distracting, while soft noises can be calming and soothing.
Pitch: The pitch of sound can also affect the overall experience. High-pitched sounds can be irritating, while low-pitched sounds can be calming.
Tempo: The tempo of sound can also affect the overall experience. Fast-paced sounds can be stimulating, while slow-paced sounds can be relaxing.

Smell

Smell is a powerful sense that can be used to create a variety of effects, such as:

Creating a sense of place
Influencing mood and behavior
Triggering memories

When designing for smell, it is important to consider the following factors:

Intensity: The intensity of a smell can have a significant impact on the overall experience. Strong smells can be overwhelming and unpleasant, while weak smells may not be noticeable at all.
Type: The type of smell can also affect the overall experience. Some smells are pleasant, while others are unpleasant.
Duration: The duration of a smell can also affect the overall experience. Short-lived smells may be refreshing, while long-lasting smells may become overwhelming.

Taste

Taste is a sense that is often overlooked in design, but it can be used to create a variety of effects, such as:

Creating a sense of pleasure
Influencing mood and behavior
Triggering memories

When designing for taste, it is important to consider the following factors:

Flavor: The flavor of food or drink can have a significant impact on the overall experience. Sweet flavors are often associated with pleasure, while bitter flavors are often associated with unpleasantness.
Texture: The texture of food or drink can also affect the overall experience. Some textures are soft and smooth, while others are hard and crunchy.
Temperature: The temperature of food or drink can also affect the overall experience. Hot foods and drinks can be stimulating, while cold foods and drinks can be refreshing.

Touch

Touch is a sense that is essential for survival. We use our sense of touch to interact with our surroundings and to make decisions. In design, touch can be used to create a variety of effects, such as:

Creating a sense of comfort
Influencing mood and behavior
Triggering memories

When designing for touch, it is important to consider the following factors:

Texture: The texture of a surface can have a significant impact on the overall experience. Some textures are soft and smooth, while others are hard and rough.
Temperature: The temperature of a surface can also affect the overall experience. Warm surfaces can be comforting, while cold surfaces can be refreshing.
Pressure: The amount of pressure applied to a surface can also affect the overall experience. Light pressure can be soothing, while heavy pressure can be painful.

Sensory design is an important consideration for any type of space. By engaging all of the senses, sensory design can create environments that are more comfortable, productive, and enjoyable for everyone.

When designing for the senses, it is important to consider the following factors: