Short answer
Consider the object's potential beyond its primary function, exploring its sonic, emotional, and performative qualities to enrich the overall design experience.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- University of Huddersfield Repository (University of Huddersfield) (2013)
- Method
- Research-creation and commentary
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Physical objects can serve as a foundational element for design that engages multiple senses, transcending their typical visual or functional roles. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in University of Huddersfield Repository (University of Huddersfield). Using Research-creation and commentary, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Consider the object's potential beyond its primary function, exploring its sonic, emotional, and performative qualities to enrich the overall design experience.
Object as a Catalyst for Multi-Sensory Design Experiences
Physical objects can serve as a foundational element for design that engages multiple senses, transcending their typical visual or functional roles.
University of Huddersfield Repository (University of Huddersfield) · 2013
Key Findings
- 01Objects can be deconstructed into their affective, conceptual, performative, visual, and sonic properties.
- 02The relationship between a physical object and its representation in a creative work can be explored through its journey from collection to performance.
- 03The conceptual and aesthetic content of a work can be derived from the relationships between the object, the concept, and the sonic material.
Application
Design takeaway
Consider the object's potential beyond its primary function, exploring its sonic, emotional, and performative qualities to enrich the overall design experience.
How to apply
When designing a product, consider how its form, materials, and intended use can generate unique sounds or evoke specific emotional responses, and how these can be intentionally designed into the user experience.
Project actions
- 01Think about the sounds your designed object might make, even if it's not an electronic device.
- 02Consider the emotional journey a user might have with your object, from first encountering it to using it over time.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Explores a novel approach to object-based design.
- +Emphasizes interdisciplinary creative thinking.
Limitations
It can be challenging to objectively measure or quantify the affective or conceptual impact of an object's sonic properties.
Reliability & validity
Reliability and validity are difficult to establish in this context due to the subjective and artistic nature of the research. The findings are primarily qualitative and interpretive.
Think critically
To what extent can the artistic exploration of an object's sonic and performative qualities be directly translated into commercially viable product design?
Design Principles
"Design should consider the multi-sensory and conceptual resonance of objects, integrating their inherent properties into a holistic user experience."
Understanding how objects can evoke affective, conceptual, performative, visual, and sonic responses allows designers to create richer, more immersive user experiences. This approach encourages a holistic view of product design, where form and function are integrated with emotional and perceptual qualities.
What This Means for Your Design
Objects can be used in cool ways in design, not just for how they look or work, but also for the sounds they make or the feelings they give you.
How to use in your project
- 1.Discuss how you explored the sonic or affective qualities of your chosen object in your design process.
- 2.Reference how the object's conceptual properties informed your design decisions.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the potential of physical objects as multi-faceted design elements. By deconstructing objects into their affective, conceptual, performative, visual, and sonic properties, designers can move beyond purely functional considerations to create richer, more engaging user experiences. This approach encourages the integration of sound and emotional resonance into the design process, transforming everyday items into catalysts for multi-sensory engagement.
Source
University of Huddersfield Repository (University of Huddersfield)
Five object-based sound compositions
journal · 2013
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about object as a catalyst for multi-sensory design experiences?
- Consider the object's potential beyond its primary function, exploring its sonic, emotional, and performative qualities to enrich the overall design experience. Evidence: University of Huddersfield Repository (University of Huddersfield) (2013).
- Why does "Object as a Catalyst for Multi-Sensory Design Experiences" matter for design?
- Understanding how objects can evoke affective, conceptual, performative, visual, and sonic responses allows designers to create richer, more immersive user experiences. This approach encourages a holistic view of product design, where form and function are integrated with emotional and perceptual qualities.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Consider the object's potential beyond its primary function, exploring its sonic, emotional, and performative qualities to enrich the overall design experience.
- What were the main findings?
- Objects can be deconstructed into their affective, conceptual, performative, visual, and sonic properties.. The relationship between a physical object and its representation in a creative work can be explored through its journey from collection to performance.. The conceptual and aesthetic content of a work can be derived from the relationships between the object, the concept, and the sonic material.
- What research method was used?
- Research-creation and commentary.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2013 journal from University of Huddersfield Repository (University of Huddersfield).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a product, consider how its form, materials, and intended use can generate unique sounds or evoke specific emotional responses, and how these can be intentionally designed into the user experience.
- What are the limitations?
- The findings are derived from artistic practice and may require adaptation for commercial product design contexts.