Short answer

Designers should actively explore and incorporate the tactile, auditory, and even olfactory dimensions of their creations, using digital tools to simulate and communicate these experiences.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Cambridge Archaeological Journal (2019)
Method: Digital and computational analysis within an experiential framework.
Evidence: Moderate effect

Reinterpreting historical artifacts as multi-sensorial objects, rather than solely visual representations, unlocks deeper understanding of their design and use. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Cambridge Archaeological Journal. Using Digital and computational analysis within an experiential framework., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should actively explore and incorporate the tactile, auditory, and even olfactory dimensions of their creations, using digital tools to simulate and communicate these experiences.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Neolithic Figurines: Beyond Visual Interpretation to Multi-Sensorial Design Affordances

Reinterpreting historical artifacts as multi-sensorial objects, rather than solely visual representations, unlocks deeper understanding of their design and use.

Cambridge Archaeological Journal · 2019

Key Findings

01Traditional image-based discourse on figurines is limited.
02Figurines can be understood as multi-sensorial, affective, and dynamic objects.
03Digital methods, when situated within an experiential framework, offer new avenues for interpretation and dissemination.
04These methodologies allow exploration of the sensorial affordances and affective potential of objects.

Application

Design takeaway

Designers should actively explore and incorporate the tactile, auditory, and even olfactory dimensions of their creations, using digital tools to simulate and communicate these experiences.

How to apply

When designing new products, consider how users will interact with them through touch, sound, and other senses, and use digital mockups or prototypes to convey these aspects.

Project actions

01When analyzing historical objects, consider their potential tactile and emotional impact.
02Explore how digital tools can help you represent or simulate non-visual design aspects.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can digital and computational methods, framed within a multi-sensorial approach, reveal the affective and experiential affordances of historical artifacts?

MethodDigital and computational analysis within an experiential framework.

ProcedureThe researchers applied digital and computational methods to Neolithic figurines from Koutroulou Magoula, Greece, treating them as multi-sensorial, affective, and dynamic objects within relational fields of sensoriality.

ContextArchaeological study of Neolithic figurines.

Variables

IVMethodology (image-based vs. multi-sensorial/digital approach)

DVDepth of understanding and interpretation of artifacts

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Challenges traditional analytical paradigms.
+Integrates digital methods with theoretical frameworks.

Limitations

It can be challenging to accurately recreate or convey the full multi-sensorial experience of an object, especially through digital means.

Reliability & validity

Reliability would depend on the consistency of digital analysis and participant interpretation. Validity is enhanced by challenging existing interpretations and offering a new framework for understanding.

Think critically

To what extent can digital simulations truly capture the multi-sensorial experience of physical objects, and what are the ethical considerations when interpreting historical sensory experiences?

Design Principles

"Design for multi-sensorial engagement to create richer and more meaningful user experiences."

This approach challenges traditional design analysis by emphasizing the tactile, affective, and relational aspects of objects. By considering the full spectrum of sensory engagement, designers can create more resonant and meaningful experiences, moving beyond purely aesthetic or functional considerations.

What This Means for Your Design

Instead of just looking at old statues, think about how they felt to touch and what emotions they might have caused, using computers to help understand this.

How to use in your project

1.Use this research to justify exploring the multi-sensorial aspects of your own design project, even if it's a modern product.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the limitations of purely visual analysis of artifacts, advocating for a multi-sensorial approach. By treating objects as dynamic entities with affective potential, and employing digital tools within an experiential framework, a richer understanding can be achieved, moving beyond static representation to explore the full affordances of design.

Source

Cambridge Archaeological Journal

Digital Sensoriality: The Neolithic Figurines from Koutroulou Magoula, Greece

journal · 2019

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about neolithic figurines: beyond visual interpretation to multi-sensorial design affordances?: Designers should actively explore and incorporate the tactile, auditory, and even olfactory dimensions of their creations, using digital tools to simulate and communicate these experiences. Evidence: Cambridge Archaeological Journal (2019).
Why does "Neolithic Figurines: Beyond Visual Interpretation to Multi-Sensorial Design Affordances" matter for design?: This approach challenges traditional design analysis by emphasizing the tactile, affective, and relational aspects of objects. By considering the full spectrum of sensory engagement, designers can create more resonant and meaningful experiences, moving beyond purely aesthetic or functional considerations.
How can designers apply this research?: Designers should actively explore and incorporate the tactile, auditory, and even olfactory dimensions of their creations, using digital tools to simulate and communicate these experiences.
What were the main findings?: Traditional image-based discourse on figurines is limited.. Figurines can be understood as multi-sensorial, affective, and dynamic objects.. Digital methods, when situated within an experiential framework, offer new avenues for interpretation and dissemination.. These methodologies allow exploration of the sensorial affordances and affective potential of objects.
What research method was used?: Digital and computational analysis within an experiential framework..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2019 journal from Cambridge Archaeological Journal.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing new products, consider how users will interact with them through touch, sound, and other senses, and use digital mockups or prototypes to convey these aspects.
What are the limitations?: The study focuses on historical artifacts, and direct sensory experience of the original objects is limited for most researchers and the public.