Design For All The Senses
We prioritise multi-sensory design to awaken our potential.
The problem
Design frames our experience of life. It can both enhance or limit our ability to engage. We experience design through the senses. Yet most design is created exclusively for only one of our sensory organs: the eyeball.
We look at design. But how often do we feel it, experience it, or even sense it? So how do we design to invigorate all our senses and awaken our potential? How do we uplift design that enables a rich and rewarding life for everyone?
"When we design for all the senses, we bring ideas to life with the fullest possible impact - touching people holistically, deeply, profoundly. Creating inspiration. Sparking positive change. Making memories that last a lifetime."
Bruce Mau - Designer and educator
Our approach
Canadian designer and philosopher Bruce Mau believes inspiration is integral to effecting massive change. Sensory-rich design has the power to drive inspiration, sparking positive change. It makes memories that last a lifetime. When we design for all the senses, we bring ideas to life with the fullest possible impact: cerebral, emotional and corporeal.
In September 2022, the faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) and the Innovation Hub collaborated with Bruce Mau and Aiyemobisi (Bisi) Williams of Massive Change Network® (MCN) to develop an immersive production titled Design for all the Senses.
The production was written and directed by Bruce Mau, and based on one of his 24 Massive Change (MC24) design principles. It was performed by ADA students and staff. It took the audience on an immersive journey through the five senses.
Audience members donned blindfolds to heighten the other senses. Together they tasted (chocolate!) treats, experienced digital media, listened to live music and collaborated in activities, such as responding to the scent of lemon myrtle leaves and warming their hands, building a shared ambience through participatory theatre.
Design for all the Senses was part of the Massive Action Sydney program.
The outcome
Nearly 300 people attended the performance, held in the UNSW Roundhouse, across its dress rehearsal and evening performance.
The design and delivery of the Sydney performance was driven by an ADA creative team. The Sydney performance featured original music, digital media design, choreography, graphic design, and production design, all developed through the creative collaboration of ADA staff and students.
Join us in our bid to augment our impact through sensory-rich design. Our journey to driving inspiration for positive change starts now. Watch behind the scenes and see how Design For All The Senses was brought to life.
Project partner
A collaborative performance by UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture and the Massive Change Network®
Work with us
The UNSW Innovation Hub tackles diverse problem-solving projects, varying in size, complexity and subject matter. We specialise in complex challenges that require collaboration, a design-led approach, and that can’t be addressed by a single discipline.
If you have a project proposal or potential partnership that you would like to discuss, please get in touch.
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