Designing for human senses — UX(2023)

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Inherent within all humans, Homo sapiens, lies a deep-rooted curiosity that drives them to inquire, seek new knowledge, and explore the world around them. As newborns enter the world, they initially experience fear and anxiety, unsure of how to respond to the various stimuli in their surroundings. However, as they grow, their curiosity blossoms and they become increasingly attuned to their environment. They learn to discern patterns, distinguish between voices and languages, recognize their mother’s scent, and develop their sense of touch. In a similar vein, users or customers of any product or service embody this same innate curiosity as they embark on a new experience for the first time.

Our endeavors to craft captivating visual and functional elements frequently take center stage in catering to our users. However, by embracing the full spectrum of human senses, we can forge more immersive and enthralling user journeys. There are five primary senses to consider in our design pursuits: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Each of these sensory dimensions weaves its own unique thread into the rich tapestry of the overall user experience. Here are a few tips for crafting experiences that thoughtfully cater to each of these sensory dimensions:

Sight

Visual elements, such as color, layout, and typography, play a significant role in how users perceive and interact with a product or service. Consider how different visual elements can be used to convey the desired mood or message.

• Use a variety of colors, shapes, and patterns to visually stimulate users. For example, An educational children’s app incorporates a diverse range of colors, shapes, and patterns to create an interactive and engaging learning environment. The app may use colorful cartoon characters, variously shaped buttons, and patterned backgrounds to maintain children’s interest and encourage exploration. This visual stimulation helps young users stay focused and makes learning more enjoyable.
• Consider the layout and hierarchy of visual elements, such as placement and size, to guide users through the experience. Take an example of a mobile banking app that utilizes a well-structured layout and hierarchy to help users access and manage their finances. The app’s home screen displays the most commonly used features, such as account balances and recent transactions, while secondary functions like bill payments and money transfers are accessible through clearly labeled menus. This organization simplifies navigation and enhances user experience.
• Visual cues and feedback help users understand and interact with the experience. To give you an idea of a mobile app, visual cues like icons, buttons, and menus are used to represent different functionalities. When a user taps on a button, visual feedback such as a color change or animation indicates that the action has been registered. This helps users easily navigate and interact with the app, making their experience more intuitive and enjoyable.

Sound

Sound can have a powerful impact on the user experience, whether it’s through music, sound effects, or voiceovers. Consider how different sounds can be used to enhance the overall experience, and ensure that they are appropriate and not intrusive.

• Use sound to enhance the mood and atmosphere of the experience. For example, Upon boarding an aircraft, one often encounters a unique melody or auditory ambiance, meticulously crafted by various airlines to extend a warm welcome to their passengers. Personally, the distinct sound of Emirates resonates with me, effortlessly evoking memories of my flight experiences whenever I encounter the same tune elsewhere.
• Consider sounds' volume, pitch, and duration to create the desired effect. For instance, the sounds of notifications in mobile devices vary in volume, pitch, and duration to differentiate between different types of alerts. A text message might have a short, high-pitched sound, while an alarm could have a louder, longer, and more persistent tone. These variations help users identify the type of notification without needing to check their devices.
• Use sound as a cue to guide users through the experience. Take the example of Google Maps, voice prompts provide auditory cues to guide users through their journey. It offers turn-by-turn directions, notifies users of upcoming exits or points of interest, and alerts them to potential traffic issues. These sound cues help users navigate efficiently and safely without needing to constantly glance at a screen.

Touch

The sense of touch can be an important factor in how users perceive a product or service. For example, a smooth, high-quality finish may give a sense of luxury and sophistication, while a rough or cheap finish may give a sense of low quality. Here are some practical tips,

• Use touch to create a sense of tactile feedback and interactivity. The PS5 DualSense controller exemplifies immersive tactile experiences. Boasting innovative haptic vibrations and adaptive triggers with variable tension, the DualSense revolutionizes the way users interact with virtual environments. From replicating sensations such as strolling along a sandy beach or feeling raindrops to emulating the recoil of various weapons or the forceful braking of a fast-moving car, this cutting-edge controller fosters a tangible connection between users and their on-screen actions.
• Consider touchpoints' texture, shape, and temperature to create the desired effect. In smartphone and tablet design, touchpoints such as buttons, switches, and screen surfaces are crafted with attention to texture, shape, and temperature. Smooth, rounded edges and responsive buttons enhance the user experience, while temperature control features prevent devices from becoming uncomfortably hot during prolonged use.

Taste

While this sense may not be applicable to all products or services, it’s important to consider how taste can be incorporated into the user experience. For example, a food or beverage company may want to focus on creating a delicious and satisfying taste.

• Use taste to create a sense of indulgence and pleasure. One good example is edible cutlery with flavors. IncrEdible is a company that produces spoons, forks, chopsticks, and straws which you can eat after finishing your meal. They are also packed with interesting flavors like an oregano-chili spork, with a fresh herbal flavor and spicy little kick.
• Consider the flavors, textures, and temperature of food and drink to create the desired effect. The iconic Coca-Cola glass bottles are ingeniously designed to amplify your taste experience through the power of touch. When a chilled glass bottle is held in your hand, it awakens your senses, heightening the taste sensation far more vividly than a plastic bottle ever could. This masterful blend of tactile and gustatory pleasure elevates every sip, making each glass bottle of Coca-Cola truly memorable.

Smell

Like taste, the sense of smell may not be applicable to all products or services. However, it can still play a role in the user experience. For example, a pleasant scent may create a more enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere, while a strong or unpleasant smell may have the opposite effect.

• Use smell to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. Many hotels employ distinct, captivating fragrances in their lobbies to rejuvenate weary travelers after long flights or arduous journeys. Similarly, ride-hailing apps like Uber, Lyft, or Careem could elevate their service by introducing signature scents within their vehicles. This sensory touch would not only render each ride memorable but also instill a sense of tranquility and relaxation for their valued customers.
• Consider the intensity and duration of the scents to create the desired effect. Product packaging often incorporates scents with specific intensity and duration to create a memorable unboxing experience. A subtle, lingering scent can evoke a sense of luxury or sophistication, while a more pronounced, short-lived aroma may convey freshness or cleanliness.

By thoughtfully integrating each of the human senses into your design process, you have the potential to craft a profoundly immersive and delightful user experience. As you embark on your next project, whether it be a product or service, remember to draw inspiration from these insights to develop a truly holistic and memorable encounter. Delve deep into the realms of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, and allow your creativity to flourish as you weave together these sensory dimensions. In doing so, you’ll elevate your designs, leaving a lasting impression on users and forging unforgettable connections.