Assessing the sensory experience of product design: Towards a method for ‘Five Senses Testing’

This paper presents and discusses a method using a range of techniques for assessing sensorial perception of product design and interaction. Collectively denoted ‘Five Senses Testing’, the purpose of the method is to facilitate the assessment of sensory experience related to product design and product use. Furthermore, the outcomes of using the techniques inform product design development by connecting the sensory response to product features and characteristics. A range of explorative activities were undertaken to inform the development of the method and techniques used to elicit sensory feedback from product and use examination and assessment for design purposes. Through trials involving design students and design professionals, the method has been elaborated, tested and evaluated in focus group and industrial workshop sessions with a range of respondents to elicit individual sensory responses and experiences of products. Insights from method use with various products and use contexts and feedback from respondents show that the method is highly appreciated and valued as useful for assessment and design purposes. (Less)