How Can Experiential Design Be Applyed
If you’ve been to a concert, visited a public installation, attended an event or used a ride at an amusement park, chances are you have experienced Experiential design. The term, which is rapidly expanding across industries and domains, describes a set of principles for creating immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression on viewers. The more a viewer feels connected to an experience, the more likely they are to return to it and recommend it to others.
The five categories of Experiential Design include exhibitions, environmental graphics (messages attuned to the environment in which they live) – think directional signage and wayfinding; entertainment, including concerts and other events; marketing, such as sensory experiences that build brand awareness; and placemaking, which includes public installations that define spaces. Often, these categories overlap and work together in tandem to create an overall sense of place.
Experiential design is also a methodology for learning. When designing an experience, it is important to establish course learning outcomes and to continually refer back to these during the design process. At Minerva, we have a set of Seven Guiding Principles that guide how we design extraordinary experiences for students to achieve course learning outcomes. These are a great resource for any designer who is looking to get started in experiential design.
How Can Experiential Design Be Applyed in Different Industries Or Domains?
Experiential Design can be applied to any industry or domain that involves the interaction between a human and a space. This could include:
Experiential design has been growing in popularity within the retail sector and is used to connect with consumers on a more personal level. It’s a great opportunity for brands to drive brand awareness and loyalty by providing unique, entertaining and interactive experiences that can’t be replicated online.
An increasing number of educational institutions are turning to experiential design to enhance the student learning experience and foster deeper engagement. One example is the Playful Learning Landscapes project, which uses outdoor environments to support children’s development in Chicago-area public spaces. Another is the design of a school by rEvolution, which transforms the building into a winter wonderland for an annual holiday activation to engage students in a fun and memorable way.
An important aspect of hospitality experience design is creating a memorable experience for guests that will make them want to come back again and again. This can be achieved through a variety of means, from themed décor to customized guest amenities.
Whether it’s a custom gift box, a one-of-a-kind restaurant, or a new hotel suite, the goal is to provide guests with an unforgettable experience that will make them want to tell their friends and family about it.
The best experiential designs are those that make the viewer feel something emotionally, which will lead them to remember the experience and the brand behind it. When a brand is able to do this, the customer will be more likely to recommend the experience and ultimately become a loyal customer.