Multi Sensory Experiences for Retail and Shopping
Designing for Multi-sensory Experiences in Digital and Physical Environments
Multi Sensory Experiences
Odor
Smell
Aroma
Sensory Experiences
Sight
Touch
Sound
Pitch
Color
Shape
Light
Tone
Pattern
Taste
Early Civilizations
Early civilizations used music, dance, and storytelling to convey narratives and evoke emotions, engaging multiple senses
Digital Age
internet, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and interactive media have further enhanced multi-sensory experiences.
Ancient - Medieval Era
Ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome used theaters and amphitheaters to offer immersive experiences through visual, auditory, and sometimes olfactory elements.
20th Century
Rapid advancements in multi-sensory technologies, including the invention of radio, television, and cinema.
Evolution
Renaissance - Baroque
Art and architecture during the Renaissance and Baroque periods embraced multi-sensory experiences.
Industrial Revolution
Mass production enabled the widespread distribution of printed materials, music recordings, and visual media such as photographs and films.
What They are used in?
HaptX Gloves
EEG Headsets
Scentee
Tesla Suite
Microsoft Kinect
Leap Motion
What Exists?
Atmos Audio
AR - VR Headsets
Going with the Trends
Multi-sensory tech is advancing with wearable devices, haptic feedback, and sensory computing, shaping entertainment, communication, and human-computer interaction.
Gap - Current retail environments fail to provide an engaging and inclusive shopping experience for all individuals, particularly overlooking sensory engagement and accessibility.
Problem Statement - The traditional retail shopping experience lacks excitement and fails to meet customers' needs. Existing retail environments and services are dull, overlooking sensory engagement and accessibility for all individuals.
Target Audience
Future Scenario
Urbanization Challenges
Rapid urbanization in India overlooks inclusive design for individuals with disabilities, limiting their access to multi-sensory experiences.
Limited Public Spaces
Reduction of land space restricts accessible public spaces, excluding people with disabilities from cultural events and recreational activities.
Social Exclusion
Inaccessible multi sensory experiences contribute to social isolation among individuals with disabilities, highlighting the need for inclusive design practices.
Lack of Inclusive Design
Many public spaces in India lack features that accommodate individuals with disabilities, leaving them unable to fully engage in multi-sensory experiences.
Inspiration
Japan's Vending Parks: Redefining Urban Retail
Possible Solution
Vending Mall for Inclusive Multi-Sensory Experiences
What would be the features?
Empathy Map (General)
Says
Does
I want to buy a perfume.
I want to test the lavender one.
I’ll select the option to test it.
I like the idea of testing the products with ease.
Selects a category of perfumes.
Opens the categories and selects lavender.
Selects the test option, inserts 10 cents.
Proceeds to purchase.
Thinks
Feels
I want to smell it before I buy.
Okay I want to smell this one.
This really smells nice, I’ll buy it.
The billing process it easy too.
Enlightened.
Hopeful.
Satisfied.
Satisfied.
Empathy Map (Impaired)
Says
Does
Turn on the voice assistance mode.
I want to order a coke.
Purchase the product.
Print me a receipt in Braille.
Hears Auditory Instructions from the machine.
Auditory Instructions lead to a category.
Auditory Instructions lead to card swiping.
Proceeds to purchase.
Thinks
Feels
Understands, wants to order a coke.
​
I’ll proceed to the billing.
I have to insert the card now.
The billing process it easy.
Enlightened.
Hopeful.
Hopeful.
Satisfied.
User Flows
All Product Categories
Perfumes and Fragrances
Welcome Screen
Choose a product
Select options
Chooses one product
Product details
Purchase or test
Do you want to test this product?
Proceed, back, purchase options
Billing, back to details
Order and feedback
Welcome Screen
Choose a product
Select options
Chooses one product
Product details
Explore options for same brand
Test (Sprays from the machine)
Proceed, back, purchase options
Billing, back to details
Order and feedback
Prototype Sketch
Paper Wireframes
UI Screens
