Multisensory Design - Interior Design Approach to Workplace Wellness
Our senses are the very first receptors that introduce us to the space we are in. The feeling we have when we enter a new building or room comes from what we hear, smell, or see, all aspects of human perception. This is the core information for the multisensory design, created to adjust the interior design to our senses.
Let us introduce you to the multisensory approach to workplace wellness, which should provide the best conditions for people working hours, increasing their productivity and putting them in a good mood.
What is Multisensory Design, and How Does the Idea Start?
Multisensory interior design aims to engage multiple human senses, creating spaces that evoke pleasant experiences beyond visual aesthetics. While sight is often prioritized, this approach recognizes the significance of other senses in shaping our perception of a space, such as temperature, smells, sounds, textures, and flavors.
Origins of Multisensory Design
The idea of multisensory design emerged from realizing that human experiences involve multiple senses, prompting designers to consider a holistic approach that integrates sensory features and qualities. Through sensory integration and using natural materials, this design philosophy seeks to enhance well-being and foster deeper connections between individuals and their environments by focusing on sensory qualities.
Connecting Senses to Feel Good
The idea is to connect all senses when designing a room, apartment, or building. Doing it right, we make sure that we will feel good every time we enter that space while having more energy.
Naturally, this idea got a chance to change our workplaces, considering how much time we spend there. Workplace wellness is one of the most important topics in interior design, and that's why different approaches strive to provide the best work conditions.
Workplace Wellness Improved by Multisensory Interior Design
As we said, workplace wellness is a great field for interior design innovation, and that’s why multisensory design has its idea of creating a good and healthy working environment. Innovative solutions such as the multisensory virtual reality apparatus can also be explored to enhance workplace wellness.
The idea is to improve productivity, to minimize the stress, and to create a space where all the workers are in peace. For instance, removing all the sources of distracting sounds will help the workers to concentrate. Also, good lighting and a peaceful background sound can increase calmness and productivity.
The solutions created by multisensory approaches not only remove the bad impact on our health, but they also tend to connect the sources of good and calming feelings that awake our senses.
The Impact of Multisensory Design Divided into Senses
To describe the benefits of multisensory design as precisely as possible, we should describe its impact on each sense.
Let's get into it!
Smell - where the memory is hidden
The scent is the sense most strongly connected to our memory; that's why we can travel so fast in our memory every time we recognize a smell.
Have you ever noticed how some retail stores or shopping malls have signature scents that make them recognizable? This is how these places create a memorable multisensory experience for their customers.
The same thing can be done in the workplace. Choosing a pleasant and calming signature scent will help all the workers feel better whenever they come to work because they'll connect the smell with a good feeling.
Sound - create good vibrations
The worst triggers at work are probably bad and distracting sounds. This can be a big problem in open space offices. That's why implementing multisensory design can solve this problem.
You can play appropriate music in common spaces to create a feeling of divided offices in open spaces. You should pick the music without vocals or words if you want to concentrate. Different companies can choose different music based on their field of work.
You can use sound-masking technologies and materials that minimize sound concentration to eliminate distracting noises. These materials are often natural and are part of healthy buildings' interiors.
Touch - where the comfy feeling comes from
At the workplace, we get in touch with many materials, so there is no chance to avoid the ones we find unpleasant unless we consider using a multisensory design.
The basic idea here is to choose comfortable materials for the things workers need to come into contact with. The advantage is natural materials, such as wood, are softly crafted to feel comfortable. For the fabric, always use natural ones, like cotton and silky thread.
When decorating a workplace, you can play with aesthetics, materials, and fabrics. If you have a chill area at work, you can add comfy sofas and little wooden coffee tables.
Sight - look at the brighter side of work
Regarding architecture and design, sight comes first, without a doubt. Aesthetics is critical, but multisensory design gives it another level.
The multisensory approach suggests visual access to daylight and nature to create a wellness interior at work. Also, it is important to provide exposure to sunshine. This helps us maintain better concentration and allows us to synthesize vitamin D, which promotes bone health and reduces inflammation.
Colours are also essential for our sight. The warm-toned ones have biophilic effects on the workplace. You should be careful when choosing colours for walls, or big elements in your office furniture. Plants can also give a nice and calm tone to your office.
One of the most important things is to avoid a sense of crowded space, which is why you should forget about adding too many details to your workplace.
Find Balance and Make a Perfect Workplace Using a Multisensory Approach
After dividing all senses to create perfect conditions for each, the final touch will connect everything to stimulate synesthesia - overall enjoyment for all senses.
That perfect balance and pleasure for all your senses is what multisensory design is created for and what will bring you the ultimate goal of happiness and productivity at work.
Benefits of Using Multisensory Design in Interior Design
Enhanced User Experience
Multisensory design enriches the user experience by engaging multiple senses, creating a more immersive and memorable environment. By incorporating elements that appeal to sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste, interior spaces become more inviting and enjoyable for occupants.
Promotion of Well-Being
Multisensory design has been linked to improved well-being, as it can positively influence mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall satisfaction with a space. Natural light, soothing sounds, and pleasant aromas create a calming and rejuvenating atmosphere, promoting mental and emotional wellness.
Increased Brand Engagement
Incorporating multisensory elements into interior design can strengthen brand engagement and loyalty. By creating unique sensory experiences that align with brand values and identity, businesses can leave a lasting impression on customers, fostering a deeper connection and encouraging repeat visits or purchases.
Enhanced Creativity and Innovation
The multisensory design encourages creativity and innovation by challenging designers to think beyond traditional aesthetics and consider the holistic experience of a space. By exploring the potential of all senses, designers can push boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and create truly distinctive and impactful environments.
Improved Functionality and Accessibility
Consideration of multiple senses in interior design can lead to spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also more functional and accessible. By addressing sensory needs and preferences, such as providing adequate lighting, minimizing noise distractions, and incorporating tactile elements for navigation, designers can create environments that accommodate diverse users and promote inclusivity.
Why Multi-sensory Design Helps Clients Stick to your Brand?
Multi-sensory design enriches workplace wellness by engaging all the senses, creating a positive atmosphere that fosters brand loyalty. By incorporating sensory aspects such as natural light, music, and pleasing scents, brands elevate the sensory experience, leaving a lasting impression on individuals and cultivating strong connections.
Incorporating elements that appeal to the five senses, including vision, sound, touch, and scent, enhances sensory engagement and creates memorable experiences. Whether through the design of common spaces or eliminating unwanted noise, brands strive to curate the ultimate sensory experience for users, fostering a personal connection that encourages long-term loyalty.
Through multi-sensory design, brands aim to provide individuals with a sensory-rich environment that appeals to their experiences and preferences. By paying attention to sensory details such as texture, visual aesthetics, and good smells, brands create a world where users feel valued and immersed in an unparalleled sensory journey.