How Graphic Designers Can Tap into Their Senses for Intentional Designs

As a graphic designer, you know that creating a successful design is about more than just putting colours and images together.

It's about communicating a message, telling a story, and making an impact. But did you know that tapping into your senses can take your designs to the next level?

Sight is the most obvious sense we use in design, but what about touch, sound, taste, and smell? By engaging all of our senses, we can create designs that not only look the part but appeal to all of the senses, creating a well-rounded, immersive experience. For example, using tactile materials like textured paper or embossed logos can create a sense of depth and interest, by applying grain/texture to logos, illustrations and images.

Everything around you has texture, ask yourself how can you incorporate what you see around you in your designs?

Incorporating sound elements like music or sound effects can add an emotional impact to your design. Creating something static? This can be done by using imagery of perceived sound, think crashing waves, or a flock of birds flying over head. Sound can be communicated by far more than just the ears. Even considering the taste or smell of a product can help you create a more holistic design. It’s possible you’ve been doing this as you work without being aware of it. So how can you tap into your senses as a graphic designer?

One way is to practice mindfulness techniques like yoga and meditation. These practices help you become more aware of your body and senses, allowing you to better tune in to the sensory details that can make a design truly exceptional. Plus they are a great way to take some time out to check-in with yourself throughout the day. Remember that your yoga and meditation practice needn’t be X time to be effective or “official”, start slow and allow yourself to approach these practices with curiosity and openness.

Your practise is whatever you need it to be in that moment.

Start by taking a few deep breaths and focusing on your body. Notice the sensations in your hands, your feet, your breath. Then, as you work on your design, pay attention to the sensory details. How does the color scheme make you feel? What textures and materials can you incorporate? How can you create a sense of movement or sound? How does the design sit/fit in space?

Incorporating mindfulness and sensory awareness into your design process, can assist you in creating designs that not only look the part but become grounded, immersive, visual experiences . By being attentive to your surroundings and actively seeking out new experiences, you can expand your sensory vocabulary and find new ways to communicate ideas visually. So take a deep breath, tap into your senses, and let your creativity soar.