Synesthetic Approach in the Design Process for Enhanced Creativity and Multisensory Experiences

Abstract

Synesthesia –involuntary cross-modal sensory associations– is in very close relationship with perception creativity and imagination. Since design appeals to senses and provides multisensory experiences to users synesthesia can be developed as a multisensory design method and framework –a multisensory instrument– having the potential to change the perception of the practice and the embodiment of a design idea accordingly. It can prompt creativity and imagination as well as enhancing the user experience and interaction with the product. Within this perspective this paper aims to suggest a new territory for design research by investigating the relationship among synesthesia creativity and perception in order to contextualize the association between synesthesia and design and presenting a few exemplary designs that are found inspirational within the context. Then synesthetic approach as a design method and framework is proposed with the intention to utilize and provide unique and intersubjective experiences in the field of product design. © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.