Sensory design aims to establish an overall diagnosis of the sensory perceptions of a product, and define appropriate means to design or redesign it on that basis. It involves an observation of the situations in which a product is used and an assessment of the users" opinion, looking closely at both positive and negative aspects in terms of tactility, appearance, and sound.
Sensory assessment aims to quantify and describe, in a systematic manner, all human perceptions when confronted with a product. A sensory analysis of a product is either carried out by a panel of trained testers or by specialized test equipment designed to mimic the perception of humans.
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SubscribeIn the transportation sphere, sensory analyses are sometimes translated into minor enhancements to vehicle interiors, information systems, or station environments to smooth out the rougher edges of the travel experience. For example, specialized air purifying equipment can be utilized to design a more pleasant odor within enclosed train compartments.
Modern technology and computation have further allowed objective, quantified measurements of sensory information to be acquired and communicated, leading to improved quality assurance. Sensory areas that have benefited from these technological advancements include vision, touch, and smell metrics.
Sensory Design Applications in Food and Architecture
Sensory design plays a critical role in the modern food and beverage industry, which constantly attempts to maintain specific sensory experiences. In addition to smell and flavor, factors such as color and food texture are meticulously engineered to stimulate as many customer senses as possible.
Furthermore, research highlights the role of the vestibular sense, often referred to as the sixth sense, in shaping people's perceptions of food based on posture. Studies conclude that people generally rate food as better-tasting when consuming it while sitting down rather than standing up due to differing stress levels.
Similarly, architecture has evolved from a discipline historically subjected solely to the sense of vision into a multi-sensory experience. Visitors now engage with architectural sites by feeling building textures, hearing ambient background noise, and taking in the scent of the surrounding environment.
Advanced practices like responsive architecture interact directly with occupants to promote healthier lifestyles by arranging environmental stimuli along a person's daily path. By prioritizing after-the-moment experiences over mere in-the-moment visuals, architects continue to redefine how human spaces function.