Multi-Sensory Design Anthropology

Aims and objectives

The closest alignment of design and anthropology lies in the area of visual anthropology, which has now evolved into multi-sensory anthropology. This studio unit addresses the cultural perceptions of sensory experience and how it affects the design of communications, objects, environments, interactions, and processes. Students will be required to develop, measure, and iterate on two design artefact projects, with appropriate documentation.

After completing this unit of study students should be able to:
· Articulate the role of the senses in culture and design practice
· Develop theoretical frameworks to understand cultural differences in sensory modalities
· Appropriately select methodologies to measure sensory perception
· Translate sensory values into tangible design outputs
· Appreciate the concepts of neuroeffecive design and multisensory ethnography

Teaching methods

Teaching is conducted in a integrated model of lecture-tutorial based studio, through lectures, group discussions, site visits, demonstrations and critiques. Students present their work to the group at the end of each project.

Assessment

Generic skills outcomes

Given the importance of human understanding to design strategy and innovation, HDG652 Multi-sensory Design Anthropology produces students with the following Graduate Attributes:
· Adaptable and able to manage change
· Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural)
· Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community

HDG652 Multi-sensory Design Anthropology provides students with the following Key Generic Skills:
· Analysis skills
· Problem solving skills
· Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
· Ability to work independently

Content

The unit explores the following themes:
· Multi-sensory Experience Design
· Anthropology of the Senses
· Design and Emotion