Page 172 - Design Thinking C11
P. 172
Our senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste—define the way we perceive and connect with the
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world around us.
When personal spaces are designed thoughtfully to engage the senses, they become not just functional
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but emotionally enriching.
Sight plays a major role in creating emotional reactions through colours, lighting, patterns, and layout,
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such as using soft blue to promote calmness in a study room.
Sound sets the mood of a space, and soft music or natural sounds combined with sound-absorbing
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materials like curtains and carpets can reduce stress and promote peace.
Touch creates a physical connection to the space through textures like smooth wood, plush fabrics, and
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woolen rugs that make the space feel cozy and inviting.
Smell is directly linked to memory and emotions, and scents like lavender or fresh flowers can boost
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mood and relaxation in personal spaces.
Taste is included in design by adding elements like kitchen corners, coffee machines, or fruit baskets,
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which provide feelings of warmth and comfort.
Balancing visual elements like calming colours and layered lighting helps in setting the right mood for
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different parts of the day.
Creating a space for taste, even outside the kitchen, like a tea or snack corner, adds a sense of comfort
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and personalization.
Common mistakes in sensory design include overloading the senses, ignoring sound quality, and using
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overpowering artificial scents.
Design Thinking and Innovation XII
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