Become aMultisensory Experience Designer

As a Multisensory Experience Designer, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation, pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible. Your work will not only entertain but also educate, inspire, and transform lives. 

You know those moments when you’re completely absorbed in a movie, or when a song sends shivers down your spine? As a Multisensory Experience Designer, you get to create those moments for others! Imagine filling a room with the aroma of freshly baked cookies, setting the stage with soft lighting, and playing the perfect soundtrack to evoke emotions. It’s like being a magician of the senses, weaving spells that transport people to different worlds.

• Create immersive experiences that engage all senses.
• Blend art, science, and technology in unique ways.
• Design interactive environments for events and entertainment.
• Innovate new ways people experience the world.

Picture this – You’re designing a pop-up exhibit for a museum. You not only choose the artwork but also create the lighting scheme to enhance its beauty, select background music to set the mood, and even incorporate interactive elements for visitors to touch and explore. Multisensory Experience Designers craft environments and events that engage all the senses, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.

Fusing VR, haptic and biofeedback/biometric technologies, Multisensory Experience Designers will create fully immersive games, leisure activities, marketing campaigns, and education/training aids. The aim will be to make these AR and VR experiences indistinguishable from the physical world or hyperreal experiences of environments that are vastly different from our own (such as experiencing a fantasy world in a game). 

As more people habitually have implants in their central nervous systems such as eye lenses and ultrasonic waves, Multisensory Experience Designers will be able to integrate with these implants to bring touch and smell into the virtual realm. 

Multisensory Experience Designers could have a degree relating to user interfaces or user experiences such as a Bachelor of Information Technology (User Experience Design). They’ll also need knowledge of coding and human psychophysiology.

Multisensory Experience Designers are in demand across various industries, where they sprinkle a touch of magic to elevate customer experiences.

• Entertainment
• Retail
• Hospitality
• Education
• Healthcare
• Marketing & Advertising

To bring dreams to life as a Multisensory Experience Designer, you’ll need a mix of skills that ignite imagination and creativity.

• Creativity
• Attention to Detail
• Communication
• Technical Proficiency
• Empathy
• Adaptability

Curious about which STEM subjects will lay the foundation for your career in Multisensory Experience Design? Let’s explore the key areas that will fuel your creativity and understanding.

Art & Design: Understand visual aesthetics and principles.

Psychology: Dive into the human mind and emotions.

Technology: Learn tools and techniques for multimedia design.

Business Studies: Grasp the fundamentals of marketing and entrepreneurship.

Check out: https://student.scsa.wa.edu.au/

Develop Interactive Installations for Events

Create immersive installations using lights, sounds, scents, and textures for concerts, festivals, or exhibitions, making each event feel like stepping into a new world.

Design Virtual Reality Experiences

Use VR technology to build captivating virtual environments where users can feel like they are walking through a rainforest, flying in space, or exploring a dreamscape.

Collaborate with Musicians and Artists

Work alongside musicians, visual artists, and performers to design multisensory shows that combine music, visuals, and tactile feedback to enhance audience engagement.

Experiment with Scent and Flavour Pairings

Create unique experiences by pairing scents and flavours to evoke emotions or tell stories, like creating a food-tasting event that takes guests on a sensory journey through different countries.

Playtest New Sensory Technologies

Test out the latest sensory gadgets, like haptic feedback devices or scent-emitting VR headsets, to find innovative ways to incorporate them into new projects.

Design Themed Escape Rooms

Build escape rooms with interactive puzzles and multisensory elements, like hidden sounds, scents, or tactile clues, to create an unforgettable adventure for players.

Maree Clarke

A respected artist of the Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, BoonWurrung/Wemba Wemba peoples, Maree Clarke uses her knowledge of Aboriginal cultural practices to create multisensory installations that incorporate soundscapes, natural materials, and digital media, offering viewers a rich, layered experience of connection to Country.

Rachel Wingfield

As the co-founder of Loop.pH, Rachel Wingfield is a pioneer in creating immersive environments that blend light, sound, and architecture. Her innovative designs, such as the “Luminous Lace” installation at the Victoria and Albert Museum, explore the intersection of technology and nature, inviting viewers to embark on sensory journeys that challenge perception and ignite imagination.

Pia van Gelder

Known for her groundbreaking work in new media art, Pia van Gelder pushes the boundaries of Multisensory Experience Design through interactive installations and experimental soundscapes. Her projects, such as “The Amplified Elephants,” which explores the sonic potential of obsolete technology, demonstrate a fearless exploration of sensory possibilities, inviting audiences to reimagine the world around them.

Beyond skills, Multisensory Experience Designers possess a unique blend of traits that fuel their passion and drive their success.

• Creativity
• Empathy
• Curiosity
• Resilience
• Collaboration
• Visionary

Your adventure begins where imagination meets innovation! Picture yourself stepping into a degree that feels like it’s designed for dreamers and doers. Think Interactive Design, Creative Media, or Digital Art. These aren’t just courses; they’re the start of an incredible journey where you’ll learn to blend sound, light, texture, and technology to create experiences that captivate all the senses and transport audiences to new worlds.

Let’s take a peek at some of the pathways you can explore.

Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) or Visual Design

Start with a degree in Fine Arts or Visual Design to build a strong foundation in visual arts, conceptual thinking, and design principles. Programs like the Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts at Curtin University in Western Australia provide hands-on experience in using various media, from traditional art techniques to digital tools, helping you learn to create visually compelling installations.

Bachelor of Creative Media (Interactive Design)

Consider a degree that focuses on interactive design, such as the Bachelor of Creative Media at Murdoch University in Perth, WA. This program covers elements like digital storytelling, user experience (UX) design, and creative technology, preparing you to design experiences that engage audiences on multiple sensory levels.

Master’s in Digital Design or Multimedia Art

For those who wish to specialise further, a master’s degree offers advanced study in areas like digital media, interactive environments, or multimedia art. Programs like the Master of Design at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in WA explore creative methodologies and emerging technologies, preparing you to create innovative multisensory experiences.

Graduate Certificates in Experience Design or Human-Centred Design

Shorter postgraduate programs like graduate certificates in Experience Design or Human-Centred Design focus on the skills needed to create impactful, user-focused experiences. These programs often cover subjects like immersive design, user experience (UX) research, and sensory engagement.

Ever thought about combining your love for art with technology or psychology with design? As a Multisensory Experience Designer, you have the freedom to explore interdisciplinary studies that blend different fields together. Imagine studying psychology to understand how people perceive the world around them, or delving into computer science to master the latest technologies for interactive experiences. By combining degrees or mixing traditional learning with practical experience, you’ll unlock a world of creative possibilities that set you apart on your career journey.

Curious about what awaits you on your journey to becoming a Multisensory Experience Designer? Get ready to head into a world of creativity, innovation, and discovery! 

During your studies, you’ll have an adventure where you’ll learn to harness the power of art, technology, and psychology to craft unforgettable experiences. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

Visual Design

Master the principles of design, from colour theory to layout composition.

Audio Engineering

Dive into the world of sound design and learn how to create immersive auditory experiences.

User Experience (UX) Design

Explore the art of designing seamless interactions between people and technology.

Psychology of Perception

Delve into the mysteries of the human mind and understand how our senses shape our experiences.

Technological Tools

Get hands-on experience with cutting-edge software and hardware used in Multisensory Experience Design.

Ready to get hands on in the world of Multisensory Experience Design? Work experience is your ticket to gaining real-world skills and making meaningful connections in the industry. Whether it’s through internships, freelance projects, or volunteer opportunities, every experience counts towards shaping your future career. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and embark on an adventure where creativity knows no bounds!

Internships with Creative Agencies or Design Studios

Gain practical experience by interning at creative agencies, production companies, or design studios that specialise in immersive experiences, interactive design, or multimedia art. Organisations like PVI Collective in Perth, WA, offer opportunities to work on experimental art projects that engage audiences in new and unexpected ways.

Volunteer at Art Galleries and Cultural Events

Volunteering at local art galleries, such as the Fremantle Arts Centre, or participating in cultural events like the Perth International Arts Festival can offer hands-on experience in setting up and managing multisensory installations and engaging with artists and designers.

Not keen on the traditional university route? Let’s look at some other options! There are plenty of alternative pathways to kickstart your career as a Multisensory Experience Designer.

Short Courses in Sensory Design or Interactive Art

Numerous online and in-person workshops focus on specific skills related to multisensory design, such as sound design, interactive media, or immersive technology. Check out programs offered by organisations like The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA), which periodically hosts workshops and talks by contemporary artists and designers.

Certificate Courses in Creative Technology or Digital Media

Institutions like TAFE WA provide certificate courses in Creative Technology and Digital Media, which teach practical skills in audio-visual technology, digital installations, and interactive art. These courses provide hands-on experience with the tools and software used in multisensory design.

Join Creative Communities and Networks

Engage with local creative communities, such as the Perth Creative Circle or online forums like Creative Mornings Perth. These groups offer opportunities to network with other creatives, share ideas, and stay updated on the latest trends in multisensory design.

Attend Design Festivals and Conferences

Participate in events like the AGWA Design Perth Festival or Semi Permanent Perth, which focus on contemporary design, digital innovation, and creative technology. These events provide insights into the field and help you connect with industry leaders.

Micro Learning

Dive into bite-sized courses and workshops focused on specific skills and techniques in Multisensory Experience Design.

On-the-Job Experience

Explore apprenticeships, internships, or entry-level positions that offer hands-on training and mentorship from industry professionals.

The following territories are known for providing great career opportunities in experience design.

Western Australia

Discover a world of opportunities right here in Western Australia! From designing immersive art installations for Perth’s vibrant cultural scene to creating sensory experiences for events and exhibitions, the possibilities are endless.

Australia

Across Australia, Multisensory Experience Designers are in high demand in industries ranging from entertainment and hospitality to education and healthcare. Whether you’re based in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, exciting career opportunities await!

Rest of the World

Beyond Australia, Multisensory Experience Designers are shaping the future of experiential design across the globe. From bustling metropolises to remote corners of the world, there’s no limit to where your creativity can take you. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a global adventure!