Case Study: Multisensory Design

Benefits of multisensory learning (2018) by Ladan Shams and Aaron Seitz

Studies of learning, and in particular perceptual learning,have focused on learning of stimuli consisting of a single
sensory modality. However, our experience in the world involves constant multisensory stimulation.For instance,
visual and auditory information are inte-grated in performing many tasks that involve localizing and tracking
moving objects. Therefore, it is likely that the human brain has evolved to develop, learn and operate optimally in
multisensory environments. We suggest that training protocols that employ unisensory stimulus regimes do not
engage multisensory learning mechanisms and, therefore, might not be optimal for learning. However,
multisensory-training protocols can better approximate natural settings and are more effective for learning

Multisensory Emplaced Learning: Resituating Situated Learning in a Moving World(2013) by Vaike Fors, Asa
Backstrom and Sarah Pink

It enables us to go beyond the question of the relation-ship between the mind and body in the study of learning
experiences and offers a practical route through which as researchers we might focus on how the sensory
perception of the environment is part of the learning process. The focus on sensory categories as both research
tools and culturally constructed categories enables us to create new routes to approaching a long-standing
question: How do human experiences, practices, and culture figure and become interwoven in the process of
learning?

Flourishing Workplaces: A Multisensory approach to design

This interactive characteristic is also evident when we compare our reactions in say a black and
then a white room. The same sized room can make one feel ‘closed in’ or ‘more open’. Then do
the same comparison with low (feel more closed in) and high (feel more spacious) height rooms.Feelings can be
affected by colour or room size in these two simplified examples but then theenvironment is a complex array of
stimuli so measuring the overall reaction of people to it iscomplex. How does architecture influence our moods,
thoughts and health? Lehrer (2011) reviewsresearch that shows some unexpected links between various design
factors like colour and roomheight for example with various aspects of work performance.

[Contradicts] Stimulation arises from the amount of information in the setting in which triggers like
colour,aromas, greenery, or things that are changing such as formal or informal social contacts or changesin the
natural setting give variety, context and interest. An example of a building designed to beenjoyable and uplifting is
the atrium in the Kajima office in Tokyo described by Takenoya (2006)in which aroma and bio-music are used
intermittently to provide variety and stimulation.Complexity, colour and texture for example give contrast and
make the environment moreinteresting. Over stimulation can give confusing and hectic signals which can increase
stress levelswhereas too little stimulation can be boring (Bluyssen 2014).

We already have a wealth of knowledge about the sensory response of the human body. Wearabletechnology
offers the opportunity for further enhancing our knowledge of how design decisions
affect employees’ physiological and psychological wellbeing, both at the individual and collective
level. Such technology will have implications for the way we design, refurbish and buildworkplaces, placing an
even greater emphasis on the human-centric, experiential perspective,
a perspective embedded at the heart of a multi-sensory approach to workplace design (Clements-Croome, Aguilar
and Taub, 2015)

[Conclusion] If the workplace is not delivering the productive, enticing, healthyenvironment they need to
undertake their work, employees will have a well-informed basis uponwhich to express dissatisfaction and act
besides illness absenteeism can increase and staff retentionrates decrease with poor environments. The
workplace of the future must rapidly transition toincorporate environments conducive to our sense of wellbeing.
This can only be achieved bycreating workplaces that enable employees to flourish.
The design and development of a community based multisensory room (2020) by Burns P. et al

 
Focus groups and interviews were undertaken by a research assistant with community members identified by
CareWays (n=24) in order to understand what they required from a MSE (Mayersen et al. 2019). The needs
identified were categorised into three domains: 1. intrinsic features and functionality of the room; 2. accessibility
andavailability, and 3. specific equipment/sensory experiences desired. In summary, the community wanted a
safe, non-categorical environment (one that is not themed) that could cater to a range of users and be available
for use across a wide range of times.

Responses were sought from respondents on multiple occasions, creating aconvergence of ideas amongst the
expert stakeholders. Respondents to the Delphi prioritised the following equipment for inclusion in the MSE: aura
light projector; bubble tube; fiber optic curtain; LED touch wall; vibro-acoustic chair; interactivekeyboard; soft
padded barrel; aroma panel; lycra cocoon; light sensor board and asoundboard. It was through this consultative
process that an understanding of roomfunction was established. This enabled the project to progress to
implementation of theMSE room (Mayersen et al. 2019)

 
[Potential of MSE]15In 2018, the information systems researcher was able to facilitate three new studentresearch
projects related to the MSE. The first, a final year Computer Science project built a sensor network to monitor use
of each piece of equipment in the room. Thenetwork delivers detailed reporting on usage of each piece
of equipment in the room.This data has the potential to inform management of the MSE and guide
subsequentdesign refinement. It also provides an opportunity to understand equipment use patterns by different
user groups and provide data for personalisation for individuals and/orgroups of users in the future.

[Engagement = MSE]In parallel, a highlight of the research was the development of processes to enhancethe
synergy and collaboration amongst a team of diverse disciplinary backgrounds, andin response to local
community needs. The introduction of two new team membersextends the original team’s expertise and marks a
shift to a transdisciplinary approach.