Scandinavian Approach to Multisensory Design

Abstract

The text aims to investigate methods and techniques introduced by Scandinavian designers which are beneficial to the overall sensorial aspect of their work. To emphasize the wide spectrum of the subject, various materials would be taken into consideration—wood, glass, metal, textiles. Thanks to the analysis of selected case studies it is possible to showcase the main ideas of how the multisensorial design practices have been implemented within the realm of Scandinavian design, focusing on diversity of examples. The methodology applied uses the analysis method of design history combined with the perspective provided by cultural studies and their analysis of the broad context. To enrich the latter, also certain cultural associations will be considered. Wood provides the visual, tactile, and olfactory experience which has been used in both conceptual and commercial projects. Glass, often considered by designers exclusively for its visual aspects, brings the tactile element of shape and structure, which are meant to mimic the contact with nature, vital for many Nordic projects. Metal and textiles can be considered as opposite sensorial features based on contrasting properties, hot–cold, soft–hard. The study serves as an introductory paper to touch upon the question of multisensory in Scandinavian design, not thoroughly investigated in international literature, by presenting further opportunities for in-depth studies.