I recently attended an international convention hosted by SOLIDWORKS Corporation in Phoenix, Arizona. SOLIDWORKS Corporation is a world leader in mechanical engineering software solutions. One of the keynote speakers on the last day of convention was Jinsop Lee who is a famous industrial designer known for his theory of design for all 5 senses. The crux of his theory is that any engineering design has a higher probability of acceptance and a better appeal when it excites more number of human senses i.e., sight, touch, sound, taste and smell. While I was listening to him, a strange thought crossed my mind. Wouldn't it be awesome if I could apply this theory in designing instructional simulations ?
The sense thats relatively easier to excite in case of instructional simulations is the sight. If one could make the interface these simulations aesthetically appealing, then that would be the first step towards gaining the learner's attention.
Image: Sample of a 5 senses chart
The next sense that is easier to excite, after sight, is the sound. Addition of sounds (for example: bell sounds on button clicks, animal sounds in simulations for children etc.) to instructional simulations certainly keeps the learner "hooked' since the attention span of most humans varies anywhere between 2 to 20 minutes depending on the individual's age and passion towards learning.
Vibration feedback in game controllers for ps3 or x-box improves the gaming experience by exciting the sense of touch. However, it is practically difficult to incorporate something similar in simulations. The hardest senses to excite in case of instructional simulations are touch, smell and taste.
In summary, design for 5 senses could be a helpful tool in increasing the effectiveness of instructional simulations. It might not be completely practical to address all the 5 senses while designing simulations. However, attempting to excite more number of senses certainly improves the overall learner experience.
The sense thats relatively easier to excite in case of instructional simulations is the sight. If one could make the interface these simulations aesthetically appealing, then that would be the first step towards gaining the learner's attention.
Image: Sample of a 5 senses chart
The next sense that is easier to excite, after sight, is the sound. Addition of sounds (for example: bell sounds on button clicks, animal sounds in simulations for children etc.) to instructional simulations certainly keeps the learner "hooked' since the attention span of most humans varies anywhere between 2 to 20 minutes depending on the individual's age and passion towards learning.
Vibration feedback in game controllers for ps3 or x-box improves the gaming experience by exciting the sense of touch. However, it is practically difficult to incorporate something similar in simulations. The hardest senses to excite in case of instructional simulations are touch, smell and taste.
In summary, design for 5 senses could be a helpful tool in increasing the effectiveness of instructional simulations. It might not be completely practical to address all the 5 senses while designing simulations. However, attempting to excite more number of senses certainly improves the overall learner experience.
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